TWO BRADFORD cousins - driven by both empathy and their personal struggles - have been working tirelessly to "spread smiles" and raise money over Easter to help people in need.

21-year-old Joshua Dunne and 24-year-old Tiffany Wood, from Clayton, raised £1,485 through games, raffles and donations, which was given to a children's hospice and a domestic abuse support group.

The beneficiaries were Forget Me Not Children's Hospice and Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership - both based in Huddersfield - and they were part of a list of organisations Joshua and Tiffany have helped throughout the pandemic.

Joshua, who has Down's syndrome, was targeted by trolls on TikTok last year. Despite being upset, he still managed to get back up - even making some new friends in the process.

'The TikTok truckers' - a group of truck drivers who use the platform - saw the trolling and decided to take a stand. The newly-formed friendship culminated in them paying Joshua a visit in June, giving him a ride in a truck, while they also began a fundraising campaign together.

They raised £1,012 for Leeds General Infirmary - where Joshua had open heart surgery when he was younger - while also raising awareness for invisible disabilities. Tiffany herself suffers from a rare disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, while she is also beginning to lose her hair due to alopecia.

But, after TikTok followers suggested "turning a negative into a positive", Tiffany did a charity head shave, raising £820 in 24 hours, to buy toys and gifts for five organisations, including Brathay Trust, Bradford Youth Service and Farcliffe Children & Family Centre.

"The support we received was unbelievable. These organisations are all close to our hearts. As disabled people, we understand the struggles families and individuals can suffer, especially with the pandemic", said Tiffany.

"Our intention is to spread smiles. Our TikTok account has reached people from all over the world, and we are using our platform to give back to the organisations that give so much to others."

Joshua added: "We've made lots of children happy and smiley and we had lots of fun. I'm very proud of my achievements".

Tiffany added that they are both "so excited" to start their next appeal at Christmas, and Joshua is already coming up with ideas to raise money.