Cause that touched the heart of Hargreaves; Matalan owner joins Post-backed appeal to build haven for children.

Byline: EXCLUSIVE BY CLARE USHER

A DONATION of pounds 6m has been pledged by a Merseyside businessman to help fight the devastating abuse of children across the region.

Matalan owner John Hargreaves and his family will tonight announce they are kicks tarting the NSPCC's Safe Place Appeal, which is backed by the Daily Post, at the stores company's grand charity ball.

Pop superstar Kylie Minogue will also make her debut appearance as an NSPCC ambassador and has chosen the Safe Place Appeal to pledge her support for the campaign which aims to prevent child abuse.

The ambitious project needs to raise pounds 17m to build a haven for children in Liverpool who are suffering at the hands of adult abusers and bullies.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Post, Mr Hargreaves, a former Liverpool market trader who turned discount retailer Matalan into a multi-million pound business, said: ``There are so many good causes that need support.

``In my own case, I decided which of these excellent causes touched me the most -- it was that of deliberately abused and maltreated children.

``There is something particularly revolting in the notion of adults deliberately beating or maltreating children, but I know that my small effort alone would not begin to address the issues of child abuse. ''

He added: ``Only by joining forces with the NSPCC and encouraging others to take action can we realise a better, brighter future for children. ''

Kylie is special guest at the Matalan ball which is the launch pad for the ambitious charitable appeal.

Guests will attend the event at Knowsley Hall, Merseyside, the home of the Earl and Countess of Derby.

The two previous balls raised more than pounds 1. 1m for the NSPCC and this year's looks set to boost the Safe Place Appeal by well over pounds 500, 000.

Negotiations on the siting of the 12, 000 sq ft building are well advanced.

The project, which will be the first in the UK with this mix of services, will bring together existing programmes and pioneering initiatives.

Partners will work together to tackle the effects of domestic violence and substance abuse on the lives of children and young people.

It is hoped that the number of NSPCC workers currently housed at a site in Wavertree will be doubled, taking the team to nine social workers and one manager.

Partner agencies like the police and domestic violence groups will also swell the numbers periodically.

A team from Liverpool Women's Hospital, who work with pregnant women who use drugs and alcohol, will also have a home at the centre.

. A newly-established on line counselling service, called There4me, will also be based in the new building and there will be a section dedicated to the history of the NSPCC, which will be used as an education resource.

The new centre will serve the whole of Liverpool and Merseyside with plans to offer specialist services to other areas, including Cheshire.

How you can help the appeal

THERE are many ways to support the appeal, either personally or with the help of family, friends and work colleagues.

Businesses or individuals who feel they can offer support should ring Angela Capper on 0800 1073790 to request a fund-raising pack.

Donations can be taken by phone from debit or credit cards.

Alternatively, em ail acapper@nspcc. org. uk, or write to Angela Capper at The Safe Place Appeal, 125-127 High Street, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 8JS.

CAPTION(S):

Kylie Minogue represents the NSPCC at the Matalan charity ball tonight; Matalan owner John Hargreaves