THE PRIME Minister has recognised a Dovercourt mum's charity which gives gifts to the siblings of very ill children.

Theresa May wrote a personal letter to Sponsor a Sibling founder Laura Rolph-Wills awarding her with a Points of Light award for her charity's work on Wednesday, September 5. 

Laura, of Grafton Road, is mum to Harry, aged eight, who has a rare form of Batten disease, which is found in just one or two children in the UK each year.

His illness has resulted in a gradual loss of sight, mobility and speech - he now has to be fed through a tube.

But while there has been a lot of help for Harry, Laura realised her eldest son Joshua, 12, was indirectly affected and she wanted to help children like him.

She set up Sponsor a Sibling in 2016 and shares a child's story on social media and encourages sponsors to donate gifts suggest by the sibling's parents.

As well as smaller gifts such as outdoor games, Laura and her volunteers also provide holiday breaks and support for bereaved siblings.

Laura is the latest person to receive a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

In a personal letter to Laura, Mrs May said: "With Sponsor a Sibling, you are bringing comfort to the brothers and sisters of seriously ill children.

"You know from personal experience what a positive impact the gifts and treats you provide have on children coping with so much at such a young age.

"I wish you every success as you continue to grow this wonderful initiative."

Laura said to be told she has been awarded a Points of Light award came as a huge surprise.

She said: "I have seen some truly inspirational people awarded previously and feel extremely honoured to be recognised.

"From an initial small idea, I would never have dreamt that it would have grown this immensely over the past two years.

"Never did we realise at the beginning of this venture, the significant need for additional support for so many affected siblings.

"Kindness spreads kindness and if we can make a Super Sibling smile and just spend a few moments being proud of themselves, we have achieved what we aim to do.

"I could not do this without the help and support of my wonderful husband and my beautiful friend, our trustees and most importantly not to forget our wonderful supporters who really are the people that make this possible.

"Of course not forgetting my two inspirational little boys who have made me the person I am today."