A Gerrards Cross family has featured in a BBC Lifeline Appeal supporting Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, a charity assisting families with a child suffering from a life-threatening or terminal illness.

The televised appeal was presented by renowned broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth, whose own family was helped by Rainbow Trust.

The featured family consisted of mother Shaliza and her son Riley, both currently receiving support from Rainbow Trust family support worker Jo.

They shared their heartrending tale, of losing younger son, Stanley, at the age of eight and managing Riley's similar condition.

Riley, an 11-year-old boy, is known for his positive spirit upon facing the severe trials of life. He is non-verbal, tube-fed, and has poor muscle tone and developmental delay.

Shaliza knows that her time with Riley, like Stanley, may be cut short.

Rainbow Trust family support worker Jo has proved to be instrumental in offering emotional and bereavement support to the family since 2016.

Jo's support extends beyond simply counselling; providing Shaliza with the opportunity to maintain an active life outside of the house, a listening ear, and as a companion during her visits to Stanley's resting place.

Family support workers from Rainbow Trust offer a lifeline to families with a seriously ill child, delivering practical and emotional support at home, in hospital and in the community.

These connections burgeon into bonds, as each family is paired with an appropriate support worker offering them the help they need as long as they need it.

Mum Shaliza said: "My boys are everything. I was heartbroken as a mother.

"I cannot explain the pain.

"Family support worker Jo understands what I've been through. She helps me process my grief.

"It's knowing if I fall, someone will catch me."

Reflecting on his own family's experience with Rainbow Trust, Gyles Brandreth expressed gratitude and acknowledged the indispensable role that Family Support Workers play.

He understands the physical and emotional wearing when caring for a seriously ill child.

Brandreth emphasised how the inclusion of a Family Support Worker in daily routines aids in dealing with the dire circumstances.

Brandreth said: "Kitt is now eight and has a bright future ahead of him.

"His older brother Rory, now 17, still reflects on fond memories with Family Support Worker Angela as someone he could talk to, trust with his thoughts and worries and the big difference that made to him."

Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, expressed gratitude to the BBC for featuring the appeal.

Bingley said: "The number of families caring for a seriously ill child referred to Rainbow Trust more than doubled in the last six months, increasing by 123%, and we receive no central government funding: instead we are reliant entirely on the generosity of voluntary donations like yours."

Donating to this appeal will not just help the families, but also secure a matching donation from a generous funder up to the end sum of £25,000.

The call to action is clear: donate today to ensure more families receive vital support when they most need it.