Hobbycraft, the UK’s largest craft retailer reveals its Christmas charity video, in partnership with Together for Short Lives.
The film features two very special stars – four-year-old Lizzie, whose family are supported by Children’s Hospice South West – and a ‘Shine Together’ Hanging Ceramic Star Decoration that will be sold to benefit the charity this Christmas.
Hobbycraft and Together for Short Lives #ShineTogetherOur amazing partner Hobbycraft's festive film launches today featuring two very special stars. Four-year old Lizzie - supported by Children's Hospice South West - and a beautiful ceramic star that you can buy in store to raise money for children's hospices across the UK.Thanks to the fantastic support from their customers and colleagues, Hobbycraft have already raised over £1,000,000 and 50p from every sale of their #ShineTogether ceramic star decorations will go to help support seriously ill children.#ShineTogether
Posted by Together for Short Lives on Monday, 12 November 2018
Lizzie (4) was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a condition where the left side of her heart is underdeveloped (sometimes known as half a heart). Lizzie underwent her first open heart surgery at 5 days old and has had three others since then and 20 smaller key-hole surgeries. “Even though it’s not visual that Lizzie has a life-threatening condition,” says Mum Jo, “she faces challenges every single day. Lizzie is not due to live a long life.”
Lizzie’s twin Emily, younger brother Ben and family are supported by Children’s Hospice South West and find visiting the hospice at Charlton Farm, Wraxall invaluable. Mum Jo explains, “coming to the hospice as a family, we do things together that Lizzie cannot do in an ordinary, every-day setting. She can’t over exert herself, so painting and crafting is something they can do together. To be able to sit down and create memories with her sister and brother Ben, is amazing.”
The #ShineTogether Christmas ad demonstrates the important role hospices play in these family’s lives – and the power of crafting.
Nancy Townsend, Care Team Leader at Charlton Farm recognises the importance of crafting, “Art therapy gives children and young people with life-threatening conditions, as well as their family members, a different way of expressing themselves. It can be hard to make sense of what’s happening and using art materials can help to process feelings and express emotions.”
The #ShineTogether ceramic decorations are on sale in Hobbycraft stores across the country. Fifty pence from every star sold (price £1) will help continue the vital work the hospices do with families around the UK.
Watch the ad here and please do share on your social media channels.
