CHRISTMAS is magical for children. But sadly, it can also be a difficult time for families struggling to make ends meet and those facing unimaginable hardships.

Barnardo’s works with some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children and families and sees the difficulties they face, such as homelessness, poverty and abuse. We work with more than 200,000 children, young people and their families each year.

We need help from people across Yorkshire to make a difference to the lives of these vulnerable children. With your support we can be there when we are needed most and turn young lives around.

If readers can spare some time this Christmas to fundraise for Barnardo’s, we are offering a host of support to make fundraising a success.

Readers can download packs at barnardos.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraise/runyourownevent

By taking part you will help to raise awareness of those young people who may not have anyone to turn to this Christmas and help provide funds to ensure Barnardo’s can be there for them.

By fundraising for Barnardo’s you’re joining an amazing community of people doing extraordinary things to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.

Please help us to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and help thousands of families to build a better future. We can’t do it without you.

A huge thank you and a Happy Christmas.

Steve Oversby, Barnardo’s Director in Yorkshire.