As with any good cause or charity appeal, after a while an element of compassion fatigue can affect all of us.

Most people try their best to give what they can but, all too often, we rarely "give as much as we would like to" or, by necessity, pick and choose which causes to support.

But for one Bristol charity, the giving just kept on going and now the magnificent target of £1.4million has been reached by the Jessie May Trust.

Since the launch of the Precious Time Appeal, a further 24 families have been helped and three specialist nurses recruited.

And let there be no doubt about how needed this service is.

The trust helps families to care for children who have what are referred to as life-limiting conditions. In plainer language, these are some of the most unwell children in our city.

Money gathered helps give families a break from the 24-hour care of their child and allows them to catch up on everyday tasks, give their other children more time or just simply catch up on sleep.

Ask Fliss Shearn about the service. She is the main carer of seven-year-old Harry Tonkins and she also has two other young children.

Harry's condition means he cannot take care of himself but the support of the trust means Fliss can take Joe and Ruby-Mae for a treat while the carers take Harry for his hydrotherapy sessions.

Without the trust, life would undoubtedly be a lot harder for the family. This is the power of charity giving.

It is tempting to get weary of all the pleas for charity donations we receive. Stories like Harry's should instantly revive us.