CELEBRATE the festive season with Julia’s House when the Dorset & Wiltshire children’s hospice charity hosts an online Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 2.

Stay home and stay safe as the Julia’s House Christmas Cracker, sponsored by Addo Food Group, brings you a big night in for all the family. There will be live music, comedy sketches, Christmas readings and much more introduced by special guests and of course, the children and families that you have helped Julia’s House to support.

“It has been an extraordinary year,” explains Community Fundraising Manger Liz Thompson. “Life has really changed for us all in 2020 and for many people, including the families we support, it’s going to be a very different Christmas. We can’t host our popular carol services this year so we have decided to bring everyone together for a festive celebration that can be enjoyed by people of all ages from the comfort of their own homes. We’re lining up a really exciting programme of events with a few surprises thrown in, and we’re delighted that Julia’s House patron Harry Redknapp will be a part of our Christmas Cracker celebrations. It’s going to be a very special evening indeed.”

The local children and families cared for by Julia’s House need your support more than ever. Throughout the pandemic the charity has been on hand to help the exhausted parents of children with life-limiting conditions take a break from 24/7 care, enabling them to feel less fearful, lonely and isolated. The care provided is changing every day with visits taking place in families’ homes as well as video play sessions and story-time, as Julia’s House adapts to the needs of families in line with government guidelines. By helping these children to stay safe and well at home, the charity is reducing the burden on the NHS as the winter months approach.

Throughout this packed evening of entertainment, you will have the opportunity to bring some Christmas cheer to the children and families supported by Julia’s House by donating live. Even the smallest of gifts can make a life-changing difference to the family of a desperately ill child and bring a smile to lots of faces.

Julia’s House receives just 5% government funding and relies on public donations, fundraising and Gifts in Wills for the rest of the money needed to run its vital service in Dorset and Wiltshire. During 2020 the charity was forced to cancel many of its major fundraising events and close its chain of high street shops. As social distancing restrictions continue, the charity anticipates a challenging year ahead.

You can find full details of the Julia’s House Christmas Cracker online at www.juliashouse.org or on the charity’s Facebook page. Save the date and join the festive fun.