COLIN Scott is four years old but cannot walk, talk or sit up because he has cerebral palsy. He was diagnosed after he had a seizure just three hours after he and his twin brother, Cavan, were born.

Colin's family - who live in the village of Wentworth in Northumberland - set up the Cerebral Palsy Research Fund in the North-East to support research into the treatment of brain-damaged children to help other children like Colin.

As part of efforts to improve facilities for children with cerebral palsy, the Children's Foundation funded the establishment of a Cerebral Palsy Assessment Centre at the RVI. It aims to develop therapies to improve hand and arm skills for children and young people with significant movement disorders.

The Children's Foundation is also involved in the Happy Campaign (Hospital Action Providing Play for Youngsters) which is working with local NHS trusts across the North-East to improve hospital environments.

The outpatients unit at South Tyneside District Hospital is the first play area to benefit but the plan is to support other hospitals around the region.

The Baby, Toddler and Kids Express project is a newsletter for first time parents that provides a step-by-step insight into how their baby grows emotionally and physically. It aims to encourage better parenting and the first results are very positive.

The Children's Foundation has also helped to raise more than £1m for the region's hospices and backed the Bog Standard Campaign to improve school toilets.

* For more information visit www.the childrensfoundation.co.uk