A collaboration between Camp Simcha and Leeds Jewish Welfare Board will improve the quality of life for Jewish children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Kitty's Smile was launched on Sunday in memory of Kitty Doerfler, who was born with leukaemia and died, aged 15 months, in 2007. Kitty's mother Sarah said the family felt “incredibly blessed” at the naming.

“The welfare board has the facilities and infrastructure to work with Camp Simcha,” she said. “Everything is set up to respond when necessary, which is amazing.

“In life we juggle many things but when you get a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, everything gets dropped. The one thing you are holding on to so tightly is the child who has received the diagnosis.”

Camp Simcha chief executive Neville Goldschneider said the charity — helping families around the country — offered practical and emotional support to parents and “powerful positive experiences” for children.

“Philosophically, we believe the best way to improve the quality of life for an unwell child is to impact on the whole family. This is not a quick hit but an ongoing overall support service.”

LJWB chief executive Rebecca Weinberg said that local volunteers would be trained by Camp Simcha.