JAMES Luke was just nine-years-old when his mum died six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Such a sudden death can be shocking and disturbing for a youngster but James was lucky - he was helped through this dark and confusing period by the Worcester-based charity Noah's Ark Trust, which provides help and support for bereaved children across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Hundreds of youngsters like James, who is now 14 and full of praise for Noah's Ark, have been helped to deal with the death of a parent by the charity.

Now it's your chance to help Noah's Ark.

From today your Worcester News is linking up with Noah's Ark to launch the £1m 'Towards a Brighter Future' appeal to help youngsters like James. Click below to read his story.

With your help we're looking to raise enough cash to buy a new home for the trust to carry on its vital work providing help and support for bereaved families.

So far hundreds of families have benefited from the service, which includes support from trained bereavement co-ordinators and activity weekends for parents and youngsters.

Now the trust is looking for a new home in the heart of Worcester to allow it to carry on and expand its work with families across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The aim is to buy and equip a property that will allow the charity to co-ordinate bereavement services in the two counties.

Through the 'Towards a Brighter Future' appeal, Noah's Ark aims to expand the service it provides to include therapies, a drop-in centre, workshops for children with special needs and a group work session for teenagers and children who are unable to attend the residential weekends it runs at the Malvern Outdoor Centre.

The new building will also allow the trust to expand its services to incorporate training and awareness workshops for teachers, health workers and other members of the community to provide ongoing support for children.


Challenge


Kevin Ward, Editor of the Worcester News, said: "This is a vital service and the 'Towards a Brighter Future' appeal - if successful - will mean Noah's Ark can help even more children who need the special support it provides.
"I know £1m is a lot of money - but I also know how generous our readers are. Please give whatever you can spare.
"We also want to encourage as much fund-raising as possible - if you're planning to do something to help the appeal let our reporter Claire Fry know and we'll publicise your event."

Gabby Beddows, head of operations at the trust which is based in Lowesmoor, Worcester, said: "We are very excited to be working with a local, well respected newspaper like the Worcester News. It's our best way to reach the heart of the community and it's a great challenge for the new year.
"We are all extremely enthusiastic and hope to reach the target of £1m. The support the Worcester News has given us is fantastic."