A CHARITY has enlisted the help of a circus performer to deliver hampers, flowers and takeaways to vulnerable families.

Forward Facing is a charity providing magical experiences for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, or who have experienced bereavement.

During the coronavirus lockdown, it has been helping to put a smile on children’s faces with circus acts and gifts.

Circus performer Toxish Doyle, joined by Forward Facing’s director Candice Konig, delivered hampers to 42 houses across Sussex, from Burgess Hill to Eastbourne and Brighton.

Toxish entertained families with her breathtaking hula hoop tricks.

“It was very emotional to see the joy on the children’s faces as they watched Toxish and enjoyed their gifts,” said Candice.

“These are tough times for everyone but for a family whose child has a life-threatening illness, it is truly hard.

“They are isolated from the additional support of extended family and the therapies they would normally benefit from.

“For some, parents have been separated as one looks after a child in hospital while the other cares for the siblings at home.

“Anything we can do to bring a little light into their lives right now is really important.”

The charity has received donations from Sussex businesses helping it to fill hampers, including food from Sainsbury’s in New England Street, Brighton, and eggs from The Mac’s Farm in Ditchling.

On top of this, Toxish turned her talents to DIY as she joined members of East Clayton Farm near the village of Washington to make 120 face masks for the Forward Facing families.

Candice said: “The generosity of companies, the local community, and individuals, especially our trustee Natasha Penney, has been inspirational – especially as they too are going through difficult times but are still finding some inner strength to help others. Everyone at Forward Facing is extremely grateful.”

The charity is now providing bespoke help to families during the Covid-19 lockdown, including support, donations and “date” nights for exhausted parents with takeaways and flowers.

Visit forwardfacing.co.uk

• The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund