Bradford-based TV actress Natalie Gavin is backing a charity’s Christmas appeal which aims to make children smile over the festive period.

Natalie, who starred in Prisoners’ Wives and The Syndicate, has organised an event to support The Well Wish Society with fellow performer Abigail Uttley.

The organisation, which helps sick and disabled people and grants wishes to children with cancer, will use money from its Christmas Wish drive to give presents to youngsters in Bradford Royal Infirmary, Leeds hospitals and care homes.

The charity’s regional manager for West Yorkshire Steve Higgins said: “For the appeal we raise money and donations from local stores and we dress up as Santa and go round local hospitals and children’s homes.

“We just try to bring a bit of happiness to people who are stuck in hospital over Christmas. This year we’re expanding it slightly and putting together food hampers as well. Quite often when children are ill in hospital, one or more parent has to give up work.”

Abigail, who acts and runs dance classes, will host a Zumbathon next Tuesday, at Grange Technology College after Natalie contacted her.

Natalie (26), of Clayton Heights, said: “To keep myself busy between jobs, I thought it would be nice to do what I enjoy doing, which is fundraising.”

The charity was initially set-up to support children at Leeds General Infirmary, as the main centre for children’s hospital care in West Yorkshire. It has since expanded to include other areas.

“I really enjoy working with the charity and seeing for myself what they’re doing – it’s really rewarding.” Natalie said.

The Zumbathon runs from 7pm until 9pm at Grange Technology College, in Haycliffe Lane. People pay £8 on the door, or dance for free if they have more than £8 in sponsorship.