Eurovision winner Cheryl Baker is backing an appeal to raise £1 million for vulnerable children.

Cheryl is supporting the NSPCC’s Forever Smiles appeal to raise vital funds for its centre in Gillingham, which helps children from across Kent.

Speaking from her West Peckham home, Cheryl, who has supported the charity for many years, said: “I would support the NSPCC wherever it was. But because I live in Kent I’m more aware of the dangers to children locally and if I can help in any way then I will.”

Cheryl spoke of her shock following the Jimmy Savile scandal and said she hoped it will encourage children to speak out sooner.

She explained: “The trouble is with children they are often told by the person who is abusing them or bullying them that if they speak about it they will be in more trouble and it scares the child into thinking it will be worse if they talk about it.

“I’m kind of glad in a way that the whole bubble burst with Jimmy Savile and that adults who were children at the time could come forward and say ‘this happened to me’.

“I’m hoping that children are seeing this and it has given them confidence to come forward as well and to know that the NSPCC is there for them to help them.

“It is great organisation and it is a massive help.

“The worst thing for any child is to think they are alone and their abuser has control over them and there is nothing they can do about it.”

Cheryl urged people to get in touch with the NSPCC if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

She added: “These revelations that have come out of late, I just find so disturbing and they are about people that I had real respect for.

“It makes you realise that it doesn’t have to be the weird looking bloke, it can be anybody.
“It can be somebody that you know, it can be part of your family, it can be your next door neighbour.

“If you suspect a child may be being bullied or abused you must report it. People cannot close their curtains and say it is none of their business.

“Every child is all of our business. We owe it to all children, not just our own, to make sure they are safe and secure.”