Sue Johnston joins families to support Claire House Christmas campaign

Claire House Children’s Hospice launched its heartfelt Christmas campaign featuring Merseyside families talking about the difference the charity makes to them. 

The hospice aims to raise vital funds to help it be there for the 115 seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults it cares for from Liverpool, at Christmas and throughout the year. 

The Claire House Christmas advert, created by Liverpool-based creative and production agency Zut, features the voice of TV star Sue Johnston, has animated scenes of Liverpool and Merseyside, explaining how the charity supports families through some of the toughest times of their lives whilst making magical memories. 

Sue, famed for roles in shows such as Brookside and The Royle Family, said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this year’s Claire House Christmas campaign to help families who are facing tough times. I’m in awe of what this wonderful charity does for babies, children and young adults in Merseyside and beyond. 

“It warms my heart to know that together, we can bring some joy and smiles to children’s faces, not only at Christmas, but all year round. Every donation, no matter how small, helps to make this a magical time for those who need it the most. I believe that spreading love and kindness is what Christmas is all about!”

This year’s festive campaign features the moving stories of four families from across Merseyside and Cheshire, who desperately rely on Claire House.  

Mum Francesca Alfonso, from Hunts Cross, whose 10-year-old daughter comes to the children’s hospice, said: “We never really know how many Christmases we’ll have with Sienna, so we want to make every Christmas count. And Claire House makes that possible.

“Having a child who’s terminally ill is hard work. I can’t just ask anybody to help because they don’t know what she needs in the same way. But Claire House gives me that relief. They’ve become an extension of our family.”

Four-year-old Isla Molloy’s mum Fiona, from Bootle, agreed the charity is a lifeline. She said: “Last year, Isla was in hospital for nearly the whole of December. But Claire House was there for us, and they came onto the ward to support us. They focused on us being able to make memories despite us being in the hospital.”

Mum-of-four Emmie Wood, from Birkenhead, said: “With rare conditions like our four-year-old daughter Arla’s you could easily feel very alone, but Claire House offers these services and opens doors for you to meet other families, so you don’t feel so isolated.”

Rebecca Flood, whose daughter Sophia, 12, has a rare genetic disorder, explained: “For us as a family, Claire House is like a comfort blanket. They fully understand what we are going through, and they guide us all. It’s not just for Sophia and her condition, they ease my anxiety and support us with anything that we’re struggling with.” 

The campaign was launched on the charity’s social media channels on Sunday, November 10, with radio adverts on local stations throughout the festive season.

Mark Hancock, MD and owner of Zut, commented: “Our team loved working on this important campaign, we hope it prompts people to find out more about the ways Claire House can help people across the region and to dig deep and make a difference to the lives of seriously ill children.”

Claire House cares for babies, children and young adults from across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales from its sites in West Derby, Liverpool (where it offers support such as daycare, counselling and complementary therapies) and its full hospice on the Wirral. 

David Pastor, Chief Executive at Claire House, said: “We know the people of Merseyside are amazingly generous and will do what they can to help sick children and their families. We urge people to give what they can.

“Money donated this Christmas will ensure we can give the families who come to Claire House a magical Christmas and reach out to other families who desperately need our support in the future.”

For more information about Claire House go to: www.clairehouse.org.uk or call 0151 343 0883.

You can see the Claire House Christmas campaign video and donate to the appeal here.

Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2024 HERE.