THIS was a marriage made in heaven. If ever there was a instance of two people being meant for each other, then it must surely have been the union of Sarah Taylor and Nick Bevan.

They seemed to have the world at their feet. Both professionals in their respective areas of employment, they were planning a future, not just as a couple, but as the proud parents of their daughter Lily.

But then tragedy struck. Last year, Nick was diagnosed with a massive tumour in his chest. Despite intensive treatment, the cancer spread - and five weeks after their marriage, Nick died. Sarah and Lily's world fell apart.

The weeks passed. Sarah bravely struggled on with her life. But despite her almost limitless energy, she knew help was needed to enable Lily to cope with the trauma of losing her beloved daddy.

And this was where Worcester's Noah's Ark Trust came in. The charity would provide the vital counselling that Lily needed. She was helped to come to terms with the agony of being bereaved at such a young age.

You can also help to relieve the suffering of youngsters such as Lily. Today, the annual appeal for Children In Need will be made across Britain, asking everyone to give as much as they can afford to help youngsters struggling to make sense of an existence that can sometimes appear to be very cruel.

This newspaper therefore asks you to open your hearts and dig deep into your pockets and help children like the courageous little Lily Bevan.