THE INSPIRATIONAL story of a Leytonstone family’s severely-disabled son featured on this year’s Children in Need.

Mel Rinaldi and Sean Marshall’s lives changed forever when their son Kristian was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome at just seven-months-old.

His condition means he suffers from unrelenting seizures, which can total as many as 300 a day.

In 2011, staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital referred Mel and Sean to Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green.

The video clip, introduced by Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman, tells the story of how Haven House look after seven-year-old Kristian, giving his mum and dad a desperately-needed break.

Sean said: “When we get there, he can’t get out of the car quick enough.

“He knows everything and everyone there.”

His mother Mel added: “Haven House is a lifeline.

“They have got everything you could possibly think a child would want.

“But the biggest thing is that Kristian can be somewhere where he is completely free.

“For him it must be paradise.”

Haven House donations, including those given by Children in Need viewers, pay for Kristian’s support worker Stacey Bishop.

She said: “Kristian is a lovely little boy who’s so full of life – he’s a joy to look after.”

Chief executive of the High Road hospice Mike Palfreman urged people to donate.

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been a part of this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal.

“To be able to raise awareness of the care we give to Kristian and other life-limited children in our area in front of millions of viewers is a rare opportunity.

“We hope their words will encourage even more people in our local community to support our work.”

To donate, click here.