LOCAL charity Hope Support Services headed to the bright lights of the capital to launch its national online service.

Quietly running for the last two years, the online service uses Facebook and Skype to support young people when a family member is diagnosed with a life threatening illness such as cancer.

The 'Hope in the City' reception at the House of Commons aimed to gather support to launch a properly resourced national pilot in response to growing demand nationwide.

The evening was hosted by Jesse Norman MP and attended by secretary of state for work and pensions, the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, as well as many other influential people.

Poignant speeches were given by members of Hope’s Youth Management Team, who have all been through their own family health crisis and were recently awarded the Diana Award for their volunteering.

“What an organisation, and what an event,” said Jesse Norman MP. “I hugely enjoyed it, and it was brilliant to see the Y-Team.”

“It was great to support Hope at their event at the House of Commons,” Tessy Ojo, chief exectuive of the Diana Award agreed. “Keep up the incredible work that you do and congratulations to your Diana Award holders.”

ChildLine chief executive Peter Liver pledged his support and urged other guests to do the same, as Hope’s chief executive/founder Sue Trevethan proudly described how far Hope had come over the past few years.

“It was a privilege to launch our online service at the House of Commons,” said Sue. “We are sure that this is the start of a very exciting time for Hope.”

For more information visit www.hopesupportservices.org.uk or call 01989 566317