[paulwj]

BIG BROTHER STAR HELEN HANDS DOLL TO POST

Former Big Brother contestant Helen Adams has donated a Bratz doll to the Evening Post's Christmas Toy Appeal.Readers have been encouraged to join the Welsh star of the second reality TV series by bringing in toys or money to our Temple Way offices for Bristol Children's Hospital to distribute to underprivileged children.

A wishlist of specific gifts has been drawn up so Bristolians can provide the best toys to help children who are in need this Christmas.

The appeal is running alongside the Lord Mayor's Children Appeal, which raises funds for children in the area.

Helen - who now works as a hairdresser at swanky salon Saks in Clifton - said she has donated a doll because she used to spend her childhood playing with them. She said: "I used to get a Girls World doll's head every year and as the year went on I would play with the hair and cut it in different styles, getting shorter and shorter as the year went on.

"My happiest memories of Christmas were looking forward to watching Top of the Pops with my brother.

"I got so much enjoyment from my dolls so I know how important it is for children to have presents at Christmas."

Helen, 28, comes from Newport. The part-time dance instructor gained celebrity status due to her on-screen relationship with fellow 2001 Big Brother contestant Paul Clarke.

She went on to take second place in the competition losing out to Brian Dowling in the final.

This is Bristol 9th dec 2006