TODAY marks the first anniversary of the death of little Jaymie Reynolds and as Christmas approaches her mum Lesley Brown is trying to put on a brave face.

But behind the faade is a grieving mother battling to overcome her loss.

Now, Lesley is hoping that by sharing her experience with Evening News' readers she can help a charity raise cash to support hundreds of life-limited children like Jaymie - keeping her memory alive.

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust has launched its annual Christmas Snowflakes Appeal with the aim of raising cash to support the charity's hospices - including its new one being built in Bath Road, Worcester - which will help more than 250 life-limited children and their families in this county, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire.

The money will also be used to create beautiful snowy scenes at the charity's hospices so that seriously ill children can still enjoy a winter wonderland.

When Jaymie was ill Lesley found solace and support in the form of Acorns, which is still helping her come to terms with her loss.

"When Jaymie was born we didn't know how very ill she was," said 38- year-old Lesley.

"But within an hour of her birth, the hospital assessed her as having 'a lot of problems' and she was rushed to the baby care unit.

"She had a cleft palate and low blood sugar levels that could only be controlled by feeding special milk on the hour, every hour, even throughout the night.

"Jaymie also struggled with epilepsy and kidney abnormalities and difficulties with her chest."

After months in hospital Jaymie was finally able to go home and spend precious time with her family.

"It was a wonderful day for us when Jaymie was finally allowed home," said Lesley.

"But because I had to feed her every hour, I never had anything like a full night's sleep.

"After 18 months I was absolutely exhausted and barely coping."

She said her daughters Ellie, now six, and Stacey, 18, did all they could to help Lesley, as well as Jaymie's dad Clive, 44, a motor mechanic manager.

But the stress proved to be a huge toll on the whole family and that is when they were told about the help Acorns can provide.

"Acorns came to our rescue, they were a godsend," Lesley added.

"Very quickly, Acorns became so important to us - everyone there understood what we were going through.

"As a family, we spent weekends there for respite care and I caught up with my sleep, knowing Jaymie was in good hands.

"The nurses and volunteers at Acorns are second-to-none, they make every hour of every day special."

However, no matter how much little Jaymie battled against her illnesses, she finally lost her fight for life on Sunday, December 15, last year.

"When Jaymie went into hospital for the final time she had a bad chest and grew weaker by the day," said Lesley, who lives in Kidderminster.

"I knew it was only a matter of time and I was holding her when the end came.

"Jaymie's eyes opened, she looked at me and then drifted away. My baby had gone."

Now, Lesley faces a second Christmas without her youngest daughter - a prospect which would horrify any parent.

"Losing a child is the worst thing for any parent at any time," said Lesley. "But it's almost unbearable at Christmas.

"Of course, we'd made plans that included Jaymie, and all her presents that we'd carefully chosen were still wrapped and lying under our tree. It was just an awful, awful time.

"Now, we cope by living as if Jaymie's still here and still living.

"I don't want her to disappear from our memories, that's my worst nightmare, to have my child forgotten.

"This year, I have bought things from Jaymie to give to my other children and sent them Christmas cards from her.

"We are also going to plant a Christmas tree by her grave and decorate it with all the things she would have loved.

Appealing directly to Evening News' readers, Lesley added: "I want you to know how great Acorns has been to us.

"That's why I want you to support Acorns' Snowflake Appeal this Christmas with a donation.

"I know families like mine will really appreciate you remembering them in this way.

"Acorns is a charity, and without the gifts from people like you it would be impossible for them to help so many life-limited children like Jaymie."

And Acorns is still helping Lesley and her family cope with their loss with the aid of their community worker Jan Large.

"I don't know what I'd have done without the caring and practical support that Jan gave me.

"She's been brilliant - and still is, bless her.

"Jan helped me organise Jaymie's funeral, which was just heart-breaking. She even gave a reading that was very heartfelt and touching, she has been there through thick and thin.

"Jan, like Acorns, is still very much part of my life.

"Every two weeks, Jan and I get together and she sits listening to me talking about Jaymie, which helps me work through my grief.

"So, please return this coupon with your message for the children along with your donation of however much you can spare.

"For families going through difficult times, especially at Christmas, it means a great deal to know that so many kind-hearted people are sending good wishes to their little ones."