THE spotlight will be shone on a Ross-on-Wye charity this Easter Sunday during a special appeal on the BBC.

Sian Williams, the main anchor on Channel 5’s 5 News, is hosting a special Lifeline Appeal for Hope Support Services on BBC1.

The charity in Alton Road supports young people, aged 11 and upwards, when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as cancer.

The charity has supported young people across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire for the last seven years, and recently launched a national online service to reach more young people across the UK.

Sian, former BBC Breakfast presenter, was diagnosed with breast cancer just over two years ago.

She said: "It was one of my most challenging times and one of the hardest things was worrying about how my children would cope.

"This is why I’m proud to support the work of Hope Support Services as it can provide reassurance to seriously ill parents that their children are being supported."

The appeal will also feature 17-year-old Emily, who first came into contact with Hope three years ago after mum Sarah was diagnosed with cancer. The family has since learnt that the disease is terminal.

Emily said: "I first found out that my mum has a form of cancer when I was 14 and it turned my world upside down.

"I used to get stressed out about everything. I was having a lot of time off lessons. I basically just started giving up and my student mentor referred me to Hope. I got involved with them and everything started going up from there."

Tune in to the appeal at 4.50pm on Sunday April 16 on BBC1.

For more information about the support Hope offers, visit www.hopesupport.org.uk or phone 01989 566317. To find out more about the appeal, visit www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline