A DARWEN family is leading a children's charity's Christmas appeal after a teenager won a 'design a Christmas card' competition.

Kia Shaw, 16, of Starkie Street, was helped by the Rainbow Trust as she battled a series of health problems from birth.

And now the youngster, a student at Myerscough College Local based at Witton Park High School in Blackburn, is raising money by supporting the Trust's 'Together at Christmas' campaign as well as coming up with the eye-catching red card complete with stars, Christmas trees and snowmen.

From birth, Kia was regularly taken to hospital with several illnesses, some of them life threatening, and it took doctors seven years to fully understand her very rare genetic disorder.

Following a bone marrow transplant and an intensive course of chemotherapy four years ago, Kia spent 42 days in hospital isolation. She and mum Carol were then sent home and kept in semi-isolation throughout Christmas to reduce the risk of Kia picking up potentially fatal infections.

During this time, she was introduced to Rainbow Trust family support worker Carol Hill, who gave them both support.

Kia's mum Carol said: “The Rainbow Trust gave our family a whole new lease of life.

"Just to have someone to talk to, somebody to turn to and to understand. They saved me.”

That Christmas, the family spent the day with Carol’s mum and sister who lived close by.

For years, the family had wondered if it would be Kia’s last Christmas so to have her home despite the isolation, meant more to the family than a tree surrounded by heaps of gifts.

Carol said: “From the minute they walked in they said we are here to help you.

“That Christmas I realised what Christmas is really about, everyone at home together.”

“Each year is an unbelievable feeling knowing we are another year along.”

Kia said: “I am really happy that my card was chosen as the winning design.

"I wanted to create something that reflected what Christmas is really about.

"For me, it is about spending time with my family and friends at home and having my own Christmas card design is a great way of sharing that message with others.”

The winning design is now available to buy from www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/shop