Bonnie Langford

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onnie comments: "There are so many needy and worthwhile causes, I wish I could help them all. I had such a happy and precious childhood that I have always tried to focus on children's charities, especially the Variety Club of Great Britain and Childline. The former is still a massive Worldwide fundraiser for needy children and their families and the latter is literally the 'Fourth Emergency Service', providing advice and support for our children in times of crisis and confusion. Both these organisations provide a lifeline for so many, yet still strive to raise the funds they so richly deserve. It's hardly surprising, therefore, that the smaller, lesser known charities need help and exposure too. So I would like to tell you about a foundation that was set up by the families of children with CdLS."

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome affects just one child in every 40,000, and is caused by a random problem with a single gene. As it is so rare, diagnosis can take a very long time - even years and even when it is diagnosed it is hard for families to meet other people with the same condition.

CdLS people have both physical and mental disabilities, all have learning difficulties to some degree. Some of the children are born with missing limbs, a lot are unable to digest food without being violently sick. Communication is a major problem for CdLS people -many have problems speaking and use sign language to communicate, whilst those who can speak are shy and have difficulties in being understood. But one thing many of the children have in common is a love of music.

"Parents have told me that their children relax and really enjoy music. Music therapists have had a lot of success with CdLS people," says Bonnie. As part of her support for the CdLS Foundation, Bonnie and her management have agreed to make a contribution from each copy of the souvenir programmes sold at her performances and on her website.

If, like Bonnie, you would like to make a contribution to the CdLS Foundation then please send whatever you can to:

CdLS Foundation, The Gatehouse, 104 Lodge Lane, Grays, Essex.

CdLS can also receive donations through the Charities Aid Foundation and through www.justgiving.com/cdls

More information about the syndrome can be found on the CDLS Foundation Website, www.cdls.org.uk