A HUDDERSFIELD charity is to feature in a film.

Ruddi’s Retreat which provides seaside respite for families with children affected by cancer, life-limiting illnesses and bereavement, has won a national competition run by the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s.

This came after it was nominated as the chosen charity of the year for the Sainsbury’s store in Salendine Nook.

Sainsbury’s have teamed up with Google and Media Trust to launch Untold Stories, an initiative giving small charities the opportunity to be featured on the Community Channel and to tell their story online.

Lara Akeju from Media Trust said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Ruddi’s Retreat and we are keen for their involvement in Untold Stories is publicised as widely as possible.”

The video has been filmed by a team of freelance broadcasting professionals at different locations which mean something to the charity.

Some of them have previously worked for ITV and the BBC.

The main filming took place at Primrose Valley, the 5-star holiday complex on the Yorkshire coast where the charity’s first caravan is situated. This section of the film features the inspirational child behind the charity, Ruddi Waterworth-Jones, who was excited throughout the day and chatted to the video crew.

Ruddi and his mum, Ali Jones, who founded the charity, were filmed playing at the amusement arcade and having fun go-karting and down on the beach.

Charity founder Ali said: “We could never have afforded to do this and the opportunity has meant so much to us.

“It has opened yet another door and again it is an experience I will never forget. Everyone working on the video has been so lovely.”

Shoot production manager Jane Estevez said: “The video will help people who want to know how the charity is able to help families who need support and respite.

“There is a budget, but we are not getting paid. I did it because it is a children’s charity and it will be a reminder of what it’s like to live with a child with a serious illness.”

The charity hopes the video will increase awareness and help to raise money towards its target this year of £50,000.

This will mean the charity can buy a second caravan which can be fully-adapted for families.

Ruddi’s Retreat has helped over 35 families, but there are still at least 750 families across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield which could benefit from its help.

Watch out for the charity video coming soon to the Community Channel.

The video will also feature on www.ruddisretreat.org and www.mediatrust.org.

Ruddi Waterworth-Jones was just over six months old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on his bladder and prostate. He went through months of treatment and lost his bladder and prostate in the process.

He took his first steps on a respite holiday at Primrose Valley after enduring chemotherapy which left him with very weak bones.

With Ruddi as her inspiration, Ali wants to help other families in similar situations and give them hope.

Untold Stories is an initiative by Media Trust and has already, in the eight years it has been running, created 175 short films.

Media Trust is an organisation which works to empower charities through the media.

The trust provides services including media matching, film production, youth mentoring and workshops on social media and communication.