Charities benefit from ITV's Text Santa fundraising

This week we've been finding out how ITV's Text Santa charity appeal is changing lives across the South East.

Twelve months ago pensioner Tony Martin, from Folkestone, was isolated, struggling to keep warm and feed himself. Until Age UK helped him turn his life around.

All week we're finding out how ITV's Text Santa charity appeal is changing lives across the South. Tonight we meet the Rees family, on the Isle of Wight.

Mum Sarah has a condition that means she's in constant pain - it also means her husband and four children are now her carers. Sarah Cooper's been to find out how the charity Barnardos is helping to make their lives a little easier.

All this week we're looking at some of the organisations who are benefitting from this year's ITV Text Santa Appeal.

It's our campaign to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people - by inspiring, engaging and empowering others to make a difference at Christmas time.

We start tonight with a children's cancer charity and the story of one teenager who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

After two major operations in Oxford, Charlotte Bell's family were supported throughout her recovery with the help of CLIC Sargent. Penny Silvester reports.

Clic Sargent is just one of the UK-based charities we're supporting this year. Every penny that's raised will be split equally between Age UK, Barnardo's, BeatBullying, the British Heart Foundation, CLIC Sargent and Help the Hospices.

And there are more details about Text Santa - and how you can get involved - available at our website.