EastEnders star Emma Barton has been announced as patron of The Queen Elizabeth Foundation for Disabled People (QEF)'s Survive and Thrive emergency appeal.

The British actress recently visited the charity's new Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey, and commented 'As a Surrey resident for more than 20 years, I was honoured to be asked to support QEF’s emergency "Survive and Thrive" appeal. Their work enables children and adults with disabilities to be as independent as possible - helping each person to live the life they choose. They change peoples’ lives'.