A HORNCHURCH cab driver who has raised more than �13,000 for a charity that helps to grant once in a lifetime wishes for sick children is set to feature on a TV programme about his work.

Stephen Smith from Hillcrest Road, Hornchurch will star in a new channel five series about the work of Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Stephen,58 said: “The work that Starlight do is really inspirational and I am hoping that the programme will encourage more people to come forward and to help them out because they really do a lot to help sick children and the work they do is very important.”

The ten part series which will air on Wednesday February 16, follows celebrities and members of the public including the charity’s empolyees as they did good deeds to brighten the lives of sick children they support.

On March 23, audiences will be able to see Stephen as he talks about his experiences swimming the English Channel in aid of Starlight.

He said: “The filming was great because it is for such a good cause.

“They have just filmed ten of us who raise money for the charity but it was nice that I could help out and the biggest aim would be that if from the show more people get involved in the charity.”

The father of two and grand father of one, first became involved in the charity in 1998 when he was invited by a fellow cab driver to join him in a relay team swimming the English Channel in aid of the charity.

After that, Stephen went on to swim the English Channel with another relay team in 2001 and 2003.

In 2005, he took part in his first solo swim along the English Channel.

He has also competed in the London Marathon, three times in aid of the charity.

Over the years he has raised more than �13,000 for the charity through fundraising events and by donations from his passengers travelling in his cab.

Stephen is also preparing to swim the English Channel in August.

Stephen said: “When a child is terminally ill things can look a little bleak but Starlight makes things look brighter and they make a huge difference in giving the kids a last wish and just to try and make life a little bit better for them.”