Campaigners have launched an emotional internet appeal to save threatened respite services for disabled children in Cornwall.

More than 200 families in Cornwall use children’s short break respite homes in order to give disabled children more social opportunities as well as giving parents a break too.

The Save St Christopher’s Redruth and Redwing Truro Respite Services petition was launched on Facebook on Tuesday.

It has already attracted more than 1,000 members, including parents of children using the services, after Cornwall Council said it may close both centres.

The petition calls on council leaders to retain the respite services, which many families say provide vital support.

In an impassioned plea Jodie Debenham wrote on Facebook: “Cornwall Council have proposals to close a much needed sanctuary and safe haven respite care unit in Redruth. Why should with severe disabilities and life limiting illnesses have the one tiny piece of enjoyment ripped away from them just because the government have overspent and need to claw some of the waste money back.

“ We plan to fight this all the way. We need sits, petitions, marches. We will not allow you to do this to our children.”

During a public meeting on Monday at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth, officers outlined a proposal that would see the closure of St Christopher’s Respite Home in Redruth and Lowenna Redwing in Truro.