BBC Lifeline Appeal to Spotlight Chiswick-Based Charity React
Organisation supports children with life-shortening illnesses
Actor and director Richard Clifford will make the appeal. Picture: BBC
October 17, 2025
This Sunday (19 October), BBC One will broadcast a Lifeline appeal featuring React, a Chiswick-based charity dedicated to supporting children with life-shortening illnesses. The nine-minute programme, airing at 2:10pm, will be presented by actor and director Richard Clifford, a long-time supporter and trustee of the charity.
React—short for Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness—was founded in 1989 and works across the UK to improve the quality of life for seriously ill children from low-income families. The charity provides specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, baths, and mobility aids, as well as household essentials like washing machines and tumble dryers. It also offers respite breaks and, in some cases, assistance with funeral and memorial costs.
The Lifeline appeal will feature the stories of three families who have received support from React in recent months. Two-year-old Arthur, who lives with neonatal encephalopathy and developmental delay, was unable to sit upright without makeshift support. React provided two specialist postural seats—a P-Pod and a GoTo Seat—allowing him to sit comfortably both at home and outdoors.
Harvey, aged 16, lives with a rare metabolic disorder known as CDG. His complex care needs have placed significant strain on his family. React arranged a respite holiday for Harvey and his family at its mobile home in Scotland, offering a much-needed break and the chance to create lasting memories.
Lana, also 16, has a rare neurological condition caused by an FGF12 mutation and experiences severe seizures. She relies on a wheelchair and medical equipment when out and about, making mobility a challenge. React provided a wheelchair powerpack, enabling her family to enjoy longer walks in nature—an activity that brings Lana comfort and joy.
React is distinguished by its rapid response time, with all applications processed within 48 hours. “No family is ever kept waiting for more than 48 hours, with some even receiving help the very same day as their request,” said Richard Clifford. “As a proud Trustee, I have seen firsthand what an invaluable difference their service can make to the comfort, dignity and quality of life for children across the UK who are living with life-shortening illnesses.”
Conor O’Donnabhain, React’s Head of Fundraising, added, “This upcoming television appeal is a huge opportunity for us to ensure we can reach out to even more families caring for a seriously ill child, who are in urgent need of help. React receives no government funding and it is often the case that if we cannot help, a child will likely go without support that is essential. Please tune in to Lifeline and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Every penny raised will help us give depth to the lives of more children in desperate need.”
The programme will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer until 9 November. For more information about React and its services, visit www.reactcharity.org.
This page is sponsored by Rocks Lane who support community initiatives in Chiswick.
