How one charity changes THOUSANDS OF LIVES

We all know Children in Need does wonderful things – but who does your donation help?

- ASHLEIGH

Each year, on a Friday in November, millions of us settle down on the sofa to watch BBC One’s charity fundraiser Children in Need.

Alongside musical performances, special TV-show sketches and a bear with a bandage over one eye, we see how money has been raised for the charity throughout the year, with bake sales, bike rides, walkathons, non-school-uniform days and more.

The show is interspersed with the stories of children across the country whose lives are changed by the fundraiser – from supporting disabled football teams to training guide dogs.

With just days to go until the big night, we talk to one mum whose daughter has taken part in the Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge with Matt Baker.

‘JESS REQUIRES ROUND-THE-CLOCK CARE’

Alison Louise, 42, lives in Southport with her husband Mark, 47, and their children Olivia, 17, Jess, 15, and Joseph, 12.

Sitting in my Maternity ward bed, holding my newborn daughter Jess in my arms, I was blissfully happy. Even better, in the bed next to me was my sister Vicki, then 30.

It was 2006, and we couldn’t believe we’d given birth within 10 hours of each other.

‘I’m so glad I can share this with you!’ I said, smiling at her and her little boy Caleb.

But when I tried to feed Jess, I knew something was wrong. Her tongue was enlarged and I had to resort to cup-feeding. At five days old, she became severely jaundiced.