A KIND-HEARTED man spurred on by disbelief of people’s misfortunes has set up charity to bring a smile to children and adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

Kevin Hill, of Newfield, near Bishop Auckland, has been involved in fundraising for more than three decades but has taken the next step and launched an organisation of his own.

The 56-year-old hopes his Bringing Back a Smile charity will raise enough funds to bring joy to young and old in their darkest hour.

Mr Hill said: “I’ve been involved with kids and adults in a big way over the last four or five years and decided to start my own charity.

“It’s nice to see kids smile, especially when they go through chemotherapy. If you can put a smile on one face you can put one on a thousand.”

The charity has already pledged its support to a handful of children and has organised a series of fundraising events. Among those who have been given support is Alfie Taylor, a five-year-old from Stanley who is undergoing a gruelling course of treatment for leukaemia.

A father-of-four and grandfather-of-six, Mr Hill has been touched by families affected by life-threatening diseases.

“You look at them and think ‘it could be one of them’,” he added. “When I was young all I can remember is it was your nana, grandads and older population who would die.

“I’ve found it hard to believe in this day and age that there are more children getting cancer. With all the sad stories you hear, it’s very difficult.”

A former professional darts player, Mr Hill competed in Professional Darts Corporation and British Darts Organisation tournaments from the early 1990s until about five years ago. He said: “I met a lot of good friends and people who have supported me over the years and who have come and done exhibitions and raised funds for good causes.”In the last five years Mr Hill has worked in the charity sector and has made regular trips to Ward 4 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, which is the paediatric oncology inpatient ward and the teenage cancer unit. The charity worker was recognised last year when he was named fundraiser of the year at the Best of Hartlepool Awards.

Funds will be raised for little Alfie and another young boy battling leukaemia, Lewis Smith, of Chester-le-Street, at the Sedgefield Truck Show on April 16.

For more information search for Bringing Back a Smile on Facebook.