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At a Christmas pantomime in Hull this month, Emma took to the stage for her first public performance, with confidence and flair.

Those who knew Emma only 18 months ago would not have recognised her, such is her transformation from a shy, anxious and often angry child who had been bounced around temporary foster placements.

Emma’s early life was fraught with physical and emotional abuse and she had been mistreated by so many adults that she no longer trusted them.

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Her life changed drastically, however, once she was brought into a permanent home with Anna Dinsdale, who was recruited as a foster carer through the charity Action for Children, supported by The Times Christmas Appeal.

The fostering programme provides specialised training to help carers to deal with the most complex and difficult children. Action for Children looks for foster parents with specialised skills in looking after vulnerable young people. Ms Dinsdale, with her background in special education needs, was a perfect candidate.

Progress with Emma has been slow and often difficult for the first-time foster carer. But it has always been worthwhile. Ms Dinsdale told The Times: “It has been one of the hardest things I’ve done, but also the most rewarding. It’s life-changing and I’ve learnt so much.”

Emma, 13, arrived at Ms Dinsdale’s home in Hull in August last year, after being in temporary foster care. Much of her early life cannot be reported for legal reasons, but it is enough to say that she was a damaged child. There were gaps in her life skills: she did not know how to use a knife and fork and she had to be reminded to brush her teeth. She was bemused when Anna bought her a teddy bear.

“She had no self-esteem, she was anxious and always worried,” says Ms Dinsdale.

Slowly but surely, Ms Dinsdale helped to change Emma’s habits. She gave the girl love and support, instead of ambivalence and violence. Ms Dinsdale’s daughter Danielle, 15, acts as a positive role model.

After a year of solid work, Ms Dinsdale knew she had achieved a breakthrough when she found her favourite chocolate bar on the living room table, alongside a thank-you note from Emma.

After attending a summer camp, Emma developed an interest in drama. “She’s learning how to express her emotions, and she’s blossoming into a real personality.

“Her cheekiness is coming through and we can have a laugh now,” Ms Dinsdale said.

It has not been an easy ride, however. At one point Emma went back into respite care because she was so difficult to handle.

Margaret Davies, the Yorkshire team manager for the charity’s fostering service, said that Action for Children was trying to help the most vulnerable young people in society.

“They usually start in the local authority system but the placements will have broken down. They are the most challenging children. They have often been mistreated by adults and have learnt not to depend on them.”

Barclays will match donations from readers of The Times to the charity.

To find out more about fostering through Action for Children, please visit: www.actionforchildren.org.uk