Duchess Catherine is helping to raise money for a children's charity.

While the 30-year-old pregnant royal was admitted to hospital on December 3 after suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum - a rare condition that can cause severe morning sickness - she still managed to send a hamper to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) for their charity auction.

Catherine - known as Kate Middleton before her marriage to Prince William - became patron of the charity in January 2011 and wanted to help out even though she was in hospital.

In a statement on the auction's webpage, Catherine said: ''EACH is invaluable to hundreds of families. In the past year there has been an unprecedented amount of care and support delivered to children and young people with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.

''I have been fortunate enough to meet some of those who have been supported by EACH, and seen firsthand the positive impact this charity has on their lives. For both families accessing care, and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time.''