By KLTV Newsdesk –

11-year-old hospice supporter helps launch new schools campaign after sharing her family’s story on national television

Madison Lord, 11, an award-winning fundraiser from Brighouse, joined a host of well-known presenters, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu, in the BBC studio for this year’s Children in Need extravaganza.

Her moving story about how Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice supported her twin brother Ethan and their family featured in Friday night’s live broadcast, as well as on BBC Radio 2 during Scott Mills’ breakfast show.

Madi on the BBC Children in Need Live Show

Inspiring a Nationwide Effort

Madi and her father Steve’s account of their journey touched the nation — and particularly DJ Sara Cox, whose remarkable 135-mile run across Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire raised more than £9.5 million for Children in Need.

Deeply moved by Madi’s courage, Sara dedicated the final day of her challenge to her, saying: “I’m going to run for Madi today.”

Madi also appears in the BBC’s one-hour documentary “Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children in Need” (from 48 minutes in).

Remembering Ethan

In 2023, Madi’s twin brother Ethan was diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition at the age of nine.

She watched as he went from being able to do everything she could, to becoming wheelchair-bound, often in great pain, unable to speak, and with very limited movement.

Tragically, Ethan died in 2025. Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has supported the family since his diagnosis, with a sibling support worker continuing to help Madi navigate her grief.

This essential work, funded by BBC Children in Need, was highlighted in the live TV broadcast.

Madi with her brother Ethan

A Young Fundraiser with Big Impact

Despite her loss, Madi has tirelessly raised funds for Forget Me Not.

She was named Young Community Champion at the 2023 Calderdale Community Spirit Awards after organising two “Days of Fun” at St Andrew’s Junior School in Brighouse — complete with bake sales, raffles, a Mario-inspired cardboard kart race and even a masked singer competition. To date, she has raised more than £13,000.

Launching “Madi’s Day of Fun”

Now Madi has teamed up with Forget Me Not to create the charity’s newest school fundraising initiative: “Madi’s Day of Fun.”

Featuring her own original artwork, the campaign provides schools with creative ideas to plan their own fun-filled fundraising day.

Madi insists on just one rule: “It has to be fun!”

The campaign officially launches in early 2026, and schools can already register their interest.

The initiative is generously supported by Smart Printing Company.

About Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice

Forget Me Not supports local babies and children with life-shortening conditions, providing services from pregnancy onwards — including nursing care, hydrotherapy, creative therapy, memory making, bereavement support and more.

The charity was the first children’s hospice in Europe to employ a midwife.

To deliver its vital services this year, Forget Me Not requires £6.5 million, over 80% of which must be raised through fundraising, retail income and other initiatives.

For more information, visit: www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk