A HEREFORDSHIRE teenager appeared on BBC Children in Need to talk about how a county charity had helped her cope with the loss of her father. 

Katy, who is 15, told how she had to copy after losing her father, Richard to cancer last year.

"He was such a nice man and was never selfish about anything," she said.

"He would never raise his voice, he was so lovely."

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Following Richard's death, life changed forever for Katy and her family. However, she found solace in the form of Hope Support Services.

The Ross-on-Wye based charity supports young people when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. 

"It was really nice to find people who understand what I was going through," said Katy.

Hereford Times: Katy talked about her story on BBC Children in NeedKaty talked about her story on BBC Children in Need (Image: Hope Support Services)

"I was just able to let everything go with people who didn't personally know me or my family, which was really nice."

Katy's mum, Leanne, added that her daughter was 'a daddy's girl'.

"For that to be taken away really changed her," said Leanne.

"But being with Hope and finding people who have gone through the same situation has shown her how life does go on. It has really helped her."

Founded in 2009, Hope Support Services has supported thousands of people. It also worked alongside producers and cast of soap opera, EastEnders during an important storyline.

Lola, one of the show's leading characters, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and the charity helped write the script. 

Sammy Powell, from the charity, said: "When you've got someone at home that you love that's been poorly or diagnosed with an illness, it's terrifying.

"By providing opportunities for them and meet others that have a similar thing going on, that is so healing in its own way."