Gift Appeal: Help Poppy and Lyla by making donation

"We're both really excited, and can't wait to dress up in our new dresses," she says.

"I love presents, but Poppy just loves ripping and scrunching the wrapping paper."

Gifts can be dropped off at collection points at:

• The Shropshire Star head office at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU

• Storage King in Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 3GA

Poppy, who's 10, has suffered from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy since birth, and when the condition was at its worst, she was suffering up to 20 seizures a day. But throughout her short life, Lyla has always been there to support her big sister, and they have both benefited from the support of Hope House children's hospice.

The girls, who live with parents Karl and Vicki in St Martins, near Oswestry, have been regular visitors to the centre at nearby Morda for the past five years.

Support worker Sheri Beattie says: "Sadly, Poppy's condition is lifelong and hugely debilitating, and like the other children we care for at Hope House, Poppy may not reach adulthood."

We are now asking Shropshire Star readers to help children like Poppy and Lyla by donating to our Christmas Gift Appeal, which we are running once more in partnership with our friends at Storage King. Hope House is one of five charities we are supporting this year – along with The Harry Johnson Trust for children being treated for cancer, Telford & Wrekin Young Carers, Home-Start and Age UK.

Area fundraiser Sarah Johnson says: "The appeal will be very important to the children as play forms a vital part of their day. The children spend a lot of time playing and toys can also play an important role in helping with the children's development.

"The age range of the children means that all types of toys are appreciated from multi-sensory toys through to DVDs and computer games."

Support worker Sheri has provided back-up for both Poppy and Lyla, and says it is important not to forget that life can be difficult for the brothers and sisters of children with serious illnesses.

Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright says: "We urge readers to give generously to this year's gift appeal, and really make a difference to the lives of so many youngsters and older people."

The gifts will be handed over at a special VIP event at Storage King in December and managing director Sarah Hopkins says: "We would like anyone who would like to donate to get in touch. Just donating one gift can make so much difference."

Gifts can be dropped off at collection points at the Shropshire Star head office at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford; at Storage King's base in Archers Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury; or the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury.