TODAY The Lancashire Telegraph launched its Charity Champions page to shine the spotlight on those making a difference across East Lancashire.

We want to recognise all of those people who are going above and beyond for the charity of thier choice.

We'd love to hear about how you're making a differnece - large or small. If you want to share your achievements and feature in the Lancashire Telegraph please email our community manager, Simone O'Kane at simone.okane@newsquest.co.uk.

Emily, two, raising cash to help the homeless

TWO-YEAR-OLD Emily Page is raising money for Blackburn’s Nightsafe charity.
On May 30 she is doing her first ever sponsored event in aid of Nightsafe.
Emily’s mum Pip Page signed the toddler up to get her to sleep in her own bed as she doesn’t sleep in her own bed.
Pip Page said: “I know there are lots of sponsor requests each and every day but have you been asked to sponsor a 2 year old? Please would you find even one or two quid to sponsor the one and only #EmilySmile.”
To send a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/night-safe and mention Emily in your message.
Nightsafe supports young homeless people aged 16-24 to alleviate the plight of homelessness and relies on donations to keep people off the streets.
By donating £2.00 you could buy a young person their breakfast, £5.00 a toiletry pack and £40.00 a young person a night in the Nightshelter.
Emily’s current sponsorship total is £70.

Donations were in Maddi’s memory

CHILDREN being cared for on the oncology ward at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital received donations from a local charity.
Volunteers at Maddi’s Butterflies delivered 40 Body Shop goodie bags for the children and their families and two Body Shop hampers for the staff.
They also delivered 41 board games and activity sets for the children, as well as lots of supportive bands for the face masks which one of the trustees knitted.
Maddi’s Butterflies aims to grant small wishes for children suffering from neuroblastoma and other rare cancers. Quite simply “our main focus is to try and put a smile back on their faces.”
It was set up following the death of Lower Darwen’s Madison Allan, aged 7, who passed away on Boxing Day 2011 from neuroblastoma.
Samantha Allan, Maddi’s mum and founder of Maddi’s Butterflies said: “We know how difficult it is at the moment due the lockdown because of Covid-19 and the strain it’s putting on the children not being able to have visitors and see family and also the huge strain on the staff too.
“So we hope these gifts will brighten your day and create a little smile.”

Selfless Joanna steps up to care

AGE UK Blackburn with Darwen want to commend 15-year-old Joanna Murray, who has been caring for her 90-year-old great grandma amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The teenager moved out of her home in Blackburn and went to live with her great grandma, Mary.
Joanna was worried that Mary would lack the needed support, so she packed a bag of clothes and moved into her house as soon as the government announced lockdown measures.
Joanna told Age UK Blackburn with Darwen that she wanted to be with her more than ever.
Joanna said: “I’m with someone I’ve always wanted to be close with. I’ve realised how important it is to spend time together.”
The charity posted online of Joanna’s kindness to the elderly, ‘what an incredible, selfless thing to do’.

CEO of Sue Ryder charity shop thanks customers

BLACKBURN’S Sue Ryder charity shop closed its doors due to the lockdown.
Heidi Travis, CEO of Sue Ryder, said that she wants to thank customers for their support.
She said: “We would like to thank each and every one of our customers for their support and understanding as well as our retail staff and volunteers who have pulled together over the last few weeks in what has been very challenging circumstances.
“We rely heavily on the income from our shops. We are looking forward to re-opening them as soon as it is safe to do so.”