The family of two sisters with a rare genetic disease appeared on national television to say ‘thank you’ to a charity founder.

Ella and Chloe Barden, seven and one, starred on Surprise, Surprise hosted by Holly Willoughby on November 19 to thank Jayne Hughes, who set up Cockayne syndrome charity, Amy and Friends.

The girls, from Speedwell Close, Witham, both suffer from the disease which causes premature aging and limits their life expectancy to just 12 years.

Their mum Jodie Barden, who also has son Alex without the disease, discovered the charity shortly after Ella was diagnosed with Cockayne syndrome in 2012.

Since then, with the help of their friends, the family have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the cause, who are based in the Wirrall and bring families in the same situation together.

Ella, who attends Southview School, is gradually losing her sight to the disease.

To help her, generous family friends have now funded a ‘DIY SOS’ project to transform the family garden into a sensory haven.

Friend Mike Heard, of Allectus Way, is helping the Bardens to level out their garden, build a shed full of lights and tactile toys and plant fragrant herbs to create a stimulating space for the girls.

He has rallied the help of Witham Round Table, Witham Rotary Club, Witham 41 Club and Witham Lions to raise £1,370 for the project, which will cost a total of £1,900 to complete.

Mr Heard said: “It means so much to be able to help those children, who have got three or four times as much love to give as other children - as soon as you walk in, their arms are open for a cuddle.”

The shed will be finished early next year and will have a grand opening by members of the Round Table.