Ten-year-old Kieran has Friedreich’s Ataxia, a neuro-degenerative disease that makes constant exercise critical, in order to stop him losing the use of his body.

When lockdown happened, not only did Kieran’s activities have to stop, resulting in him being unable to walk, but his mental health support ended.

Thankfully, Kieran was introduced to Dougie Mac Children’s Hospice. They provided support from lovely counsellor, Maria who, alongside two play therapists, is funded thanks to donations to BBC Children in Need. Even through shielding, Kieran got to know Maria online whilst they played and chatted. Kieran says Maria simply “helped him to get his worries out”.