A DISABILITY charity has been given a £2million helping hand, thanks to Wherstead-based farmer Jimmy Doherty.

The star of the Channel 4 series Jimmy’s Farm, helped secure the money as a pilot for a new TV series The Secret Millions.

The projects taking part are secretly assessed by BIG (The Big Lottery Fund) and if successful they can turn their ideas into reality with a share of the Secret Millions £10m funding pot.

In Sunday’s episode Jimmy offered his own farm to families needing respite care, teaching them new skills, such as making and selling their own ice cream.

As a result the Papworth Trust was awarded £2m to renovate a farm in Wales where families will be able to go for respite care.

Adrian Bagg, Papworth Trust chief executive, said: “This is fantastic news. Disabled people and their families will now be able to apply for funded short breaks thanks to BIG.”