A teenager from Dagenham is set to star in a special episode of Countryfile.
Daniel, 14, will join presenter Joe Crowley for the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need.
The episode, which airs on Sunday, October 5, will feature four young people who have received support from BBC Children in Need-funded projects.
Each of the children will talk about their experiences, the help they received and the impact it has had on their lives.
Daniel is a passionate Chelsea FC supporter who lives with sickle cell, a condition that causes frequent, painful episodes.
In 2018, he nearly lost his life during a severe crisis.
Despite the challenges he faces, Daniel enjoys playing sport.
He said: "I was excited to get to take part in a ramble as it was unfamiliar to me.
"It was thrilling to be able to do something that I usually wouldn’t do."
He receives support from Cianna’s Smile, a project partially funded by BBC Children in Need.
The charity has played a crucial role in helping him accept his condition, providing a space where he feels understood and supported.
Daniel's mum Funmi said: "I’m so proud of Daniel for who he is: a kind, strong and resilient boy."
Hayley King, chairperson for Cianna’s Smile, added: "Funding from BBC Children in Need has allowed us to provide vital support to young people impacted by sickle cell.
"It’s helped us offer fun days out, a dedicated youth worker and meaningful opportunities for children to enjoy much-needed distractions from the daily challenges they may face living with this condition.
"Many of these young people can often feel isolated and our activities create a safe, supportive space where they can connect, be themselves and just have fun.
"This funding has truly made a difference to their wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging."
Countryfile viewers are being encouraged to participate by organising their own sponsored rambles, with the aim of raising funds to support BBC Children in Need.
The funds raised will help the charity continue to support hundreds of thousands of children across the UK in urgent need of help.
At present, BBC Children in Need is only able to fund one in every six eligible projects that apply for assistance.
The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need will be available to watch at 6.05pm on Sunday, October 5, on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Share