Every year, the Gravesend Messenger picks a local charity to support in the run up to Christmas. This year, we have chosen Northfleet-based ellenor - a hospice dedicated to looking after people and families affected by terminal illnesses.

So join us and show your support for the incredible work carried out there.

The mother of a young boy has praised ellenor for their work and helping keep their family together at Christmas.

Tyler Aldridge was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition in 2015 that left him blind and deaf within six months.

Adrenoleukodystry (ALD) is a disorder caused by the breakdown or loss of myelin - a cover to the brains nerve cells.

After six months his life was completely changed as he was left in a vegetative state.

"Tyler had previously been a cheeky, loving, fun filled boy but the disease took that all away from him," his mum Katie Aldridge said.

Ms Aldridge continued, thanking Northfleet based charity ellenor, and carers Hannah and Emma, for helping her family out.

The mother-of-four said: "They have been an amazing part in helping with respite care as Tyler is too poorly to attend school.

"They take the role of caring for him while I get to take the opportunities to have five minutes to myself or take our seven month old daughter, Macie, out for some fresh air or carry out the household jobs that need completing.

"The respite team really have been a saving grace, Tyler may not be able to communicate but I believe by his slight actions; eye movement or breathing sighs he loves having Hannah and Emma help our family out."

The hospice, in Coldharbour road, Gravesend, offers care to terminally ill children, young adults and their family, across Kent.

Workers create specialist plans to help support the families, including providing care throughout Christmas.

Sarah Carter, a childnre's care nurse specialist, said: "Christmas can be very difficult, especially if children are very sick or at end of life. It’s a really key goal for our families to have that last Christmas together, and we help to facilitate that.

"We keep them out of hospital as we provide that specialist complex care.

"The families live life from day to day, the outcome may be tragic and painful for those close to them but we try and have the best time with them and their family, making this moment count for the child and making memories for the family."

One new child or young person is being referred to the charity each week.

To donate, you can visit online at www.ellenor.org or by calling 01322626509.