Sian Williams, ITN’s main anchor on Channel 5’s ‘5 News’, is hosting a special Lifeline Appeal for local charity Hope Support Services on Easter Sunday.

Hope Support Services supports young people (11+) 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, who describes herself as a journalist, broadcaster, writer and would-be psychologist, was diagnosed with breast cancer just over two years ago.

“It was one of my most challenging times and one of the hardest things was worrying about how my children would cope,” said Sian. “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.”

“A health crisis affects everyone in the family; having Hope Support Services there to help young people if they’re struggling to cope can really make a difference, both to the parents and their children.”

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.

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

“When the time comes and I do die, knowing that Emily will have support is one of the most important things to me,” added Sarah. “As a parent it’s your natural instinct to protect your child. I know that somebody will be there in my place, which is a great, great comfort.”

Tune in BBC Lifelife at 4.50pm on Sunday, April 16th to see the appeal. 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