Natalie and Verity Ayling from Haywards Heath joined other families from across Sussex to enjoy the Santa Express at Horsted Keynes. The trip was organised by Sussex charity The Anne Bickmore Children's Fund which provides days out for disadvantaged and bereaved children.

Excited youngsters gathered on the platform on Wednesday, December 5 for a special trip on the steam train and a chance to meet Santa.

Verity is just one example of how the fund helps children. She suffers from a severe growth condition and visual impairment. Mum Natalie said shortly before the train ride: "She really picks up on atmosphere so she will really enjoy it. This will be the first time she has seen Santa. Because she is quite long sighted, she can see him in his red costume if he is a long way away."

Natalie first heard of The ABC Fund and the Santa Express in the charity's magazine. "I saw it and thought it would be great because Verity loves motion on a train and she really likes music too," she said.

When Verity is two years old she will attend Court Meadow School in Cuckfield but until then her full-time carer is Natalie, who also suffers from some medical problems. Doctors have yet to diagnose Verity's condition.
Natalie said: "We are waiting at the moment for the genetic results to come back to give her an overall syndrome. They are saying it is extremely rare to have these things that Verity has got."

Anne Bickmore's charity raises money to provide comforts for local disadvantaged children and their families. Anne successfully runs the charity with the help of volunteers.

Anne said: "We hope to put a smile on the faces of families who live with illness and disabilities day in and day out, year in and year out. The charity funds and organises trips and days out for disadvantaged families or bereaved children. But it is not only for children that are ill but siblings too. We also did a pamper day for a Grandma caring for her grandchild and she really needed it."

Anne's charity is based in Peacehaven but she would like to branch out and help people like Natalie and Verity in Mid Sussex. She said: "We are always looking for people in Mid Sussex. We need volunteers and a committee in that area. We want to help as many people as we can."