A CHILDREN'S charity is desperate for readers to help it raise funds in a special challenge this week.

Sebastian's Action Trust, which provides respite breaks and ongoing support to families with a seriously ill child, has been selected to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

If the trust secures �24,000 in online donations this week, this will be doubled to �48,000 under the match funding scheme, funded by the charitable arm of the Reed recruitment firm.

With half of the required �24,000 already pledged by a trust supporter, it needs a further �12,000 to be donated by the end of tomorrow - Saturday, December 8.

Jacqui Chapman, fundraising manager for the trust, said: "We hope anyone who might want to make a charitable Christmas donation will take this opportunity to donate what they can and hopefully get it matched by the scheme, which means their gesture will make an even greater difference. All donations, however big or small, would be incredibly gratefully received."

See www.sebastiansactiontrust.org to make a donation.