For two youngsters Christmas has come early this year thanks to a charity which supports seriously ill children and young people.

Share a Star was set up by Jessica Taylor, from Cliffe Woods, who suffers from severe ME.

The 25-year-old runs the charity, which aims to support youngsters with serious or life threatening conditions, from her bed as she is bed-bound 95% of the time.

During the 12 days of Christmas volunteers will visit 12 children from across the country and give them, and their families, a number of gifts and goodies.

Volunteers have visited Ruby Young, from Rainham, and Cameron Edmunds, who lives in Gravesend.

Cameron, 16, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle loss.

Watch: Share a Star's 12 Christmas stars

Miss Taylor said: “Cameron doesn’t really get a lot of support from other charities so it was wonderful to give him a Christmas after all he’s been through.”

She added that the support the charity has received had been overwhelming.

Miss Taylor said: “The people that have helped the charity, and helped pack up all the presents have been incredible too."

Ruby, four, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, days after her second birthday.

Miss Taylor said: “Ruby has been through so much and it’s lovely that we have been able to treat her, and her family, this Christmas.”

Ruby was given a Frozen playhouse, a giant teddy and other goodies. Her parents Vikki and dad Rob received a gift voucher and hamper while older brother Freddy and step-sister Carla also received a present.

Mrs Young, of Monmouth Close, said: “They made a terrible day turn around and had us smiling, which is a job well done considering how hard it is to watch your child being so poorly.”

For more information visit Share a Star on Facebook.