Simon Cowell has urged people to visit and support children's hospices.

The music mogul has been a patron of the UK charity Together for Short Lives since 2009.

Cowell said: "Whatever charity you support, you've got to see what you're supporting.

"I meet the kids, the helpers and the families and it changes your life."

Simon was talking on Daybreak to Gethin Jones as part of Children's Hospice Week.

The event runs from May 21 - 25, and aims to raise awareness and support for children's hospices.

Asked what happens during his visits, Cowell said: "They throw things at me! I have fun with them.

"You treat them like normal kids, because they are, they're just ill. It's about joy, and seeing that [hospices] are not awful places to go."

He added: "The government have increased the funding, but its private money that keeps these things running.

"Whatever your vision of what a hospice is, go down to see these places - it's not what you think."

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