Holly Willoughby urges fans to support children who might be celebrating their last Christmas
Holly Willoughby has issued a heartfelt plea for fans to join her in offering support to a children’s charity this Christmas.
On Instagram, the This Morning presenter, 39, said she was supporting Together For Short Lives, a UK charity for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.
Sharing a moving video detailing the experience of a family who have been impacted by their son’s life-limiting condition, the mum-of-three called on her followers to donate to the organisation to help families enjoy precious moments together.
“In February 2018 Alfie was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition,” Willoughby explained in the accompanying caption.
“The family were told the devastating news over the phone and were left feeling scared and alone. For families like Alfie’s every moment counts.”
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The video clip reveals that Alfie was diagnosed with a muscle wasting disease for which there is no cure.
Willoughby goes on to explain that, with the help of the charity, the family hope to make this Christmas extra special, as they are unsure how many more they will be able to celebrate with Alfie.
“@TogetherforShortLives cannot save a child’s life,” the presenter writes. “But with your support we can save a family from a lifetime of suffering.
“Making special Christmas memories this year and beyond.”
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Willoughby signs off her plea by calling for fans to get behind the cause.
“I’m supporting Together for Short Lives’ Christmas Together Appeal and hope you will too,” she concludes.
“Donate online today or text ALFIE 10 or the amount of your choice to 70450”.
Further information on the charity’s website reveals that for every pound donated, M&S Food will double the donation, up to a maximum of £50,000, meaning twice as many families, like Alfie’s, could be supported this Christmas.
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Earlier this year Willoughby shared another post urging fans to support the charity.
She posted a picture to Instagram showing her with another one of the children the charity has helped, a girl called Hope.
“This has been a year like no other and families caring for a seriously ill child need @Togetherforshortlives more than ever,” she wrote in the accompanying caption.
“Please help them to be there for families in crisis who are struggling to get the right care and support for their child.”
Willoughby became a Together for Short Lives’ Patron in 2008, soon after supporting This Morning’s Christmas Appeal for children’s hospices in 2007.
Having felt moved after visiting a children’s hospice, Willoughby decided she wanted to do something personally to support a children’s palliative care charity.
“Whenever I visit a children’s hospice, I am amazed by the positive, welcoming environment and support they provide,” Willoughby said.
“It is clear to see that services like these are a lifeline to the families that use them. I am very proud to be a Patron of Together for Short Lives.”
After Willoughby shared her message of support, the charity issued a thank you in the comments section of the TV presenter’s post.
“Thank you so much for your incredible support Holly, we know it will mean the world to Kieron and Alfie and families across the UK just like theirs,” the charity wrote.
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