When Cheryl Davidson noticed the loneliness affecting disabled people she knew something had to change.

She had witnessed isolation first hand recruiting staff in the care community, which involved paying regular visits to nursing homes where residents sat around all day doing nothing apart from a couple of hours of activities.

The looks on their faces inspired Davidson to launch Genie Wish, a Newcastle charity providing ideas to keep people in care occupied as well as granting wishes to individuals.

One of the first events was arranging a Tea Dance for Phillis and her husband Billy, which was a huge success.

The charity also supports youngsters living with Batten disease, one of the children who benefitted was Nicole and her younger sister Jessica [pictured above with Davidson] who were invited to a special princess-themed party.

Then there’s 15-year-old Osian, who has complex nonverbal autism; Genie Wish raised money towards a special side by side bike to give him more freedom. At the other side of the age gap 93-year-old Mary Steele went to see her favourite singer, Alfie Boe, in concert.

Davidson told Chronicle Live:  "Granting wishes like we do would not be possible without the funding and donations that we get from generous people. We also have a dedicated team of volunteers that are constantly working hard to make these people's dreams a reality.

"If you would like to donate or get involved as a volunteer yourself, go to our website, as we can help even more people combat loneliness and isolation with your support. We cover the whole of the North East as well so if you know of anyone for us to grant a wish to then let us know."

[ For more information visit the Genie Wish website, where you can also make a donation ]