Nairn-based Hollywood A-lister leads cast of stars in backing charity's Christmas campaign
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NAIRN-BASED Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton is leading a stellar cast of Scottish stars in backing a children’s hospice charity's Christmas campaign.
The A-list film star said it was "truly her pleasure" to support Children’s Hospices Across Scotland's (CHAS) biggest ever festive fundraising appeal.
In a personal message to CHAS, Tilda (60) thanked the charity for all the work it does to help children with life-shortening conditions and indicated she would like to visit CHAS in person someday.
Wearing a CHAS T-shirt and posing with her beloved pet spaniel, Louis, she said: "Here is Louis and me sending everyone at CHAS an enormous cloud of kisses and cuddles, with our love, support and thanks for all you do. I look forward to the time when we can come and deliver our hugs and kisses in person."
Other well-known Scottish faces backing the campaign include singer Sharleen Spiteri and River City actors Stephen Purdon (AKA Shell Suit Bob), Sanjeev Kohli, Frances Thorburn, Gayle Telfer-Stevens, Michael Wallace and Sean Connor.
This year’s CHAS Christmas campaign features an emotive TV advert which depicts the heartbreak families face when their children die young.
Iain McAndrew, director of fundraising and communications at CHAS, said: "The pandemic has seen our income decrease, with so many of our traditional fundraising activities cancelled, whilst the need for our services is increasing. That is why, this Christmas, we are calling on everyone who can to donate to help keep the joy alive for Scotland’s most vulnerable children and their families.
"We are thrilled Tilda has said she would like to visit CHAS and look forward to welcoming her to our hospices one day where she can meet our children, families and staff in person and see the work we do first-hand."
Throughout the pandemic, CHAS has had to transform the way in which it operates. In March, it launched a virtual children’s hospice, where families are offered support by phone and video. Its teams also offer a range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and friendship calls to children and parents.
Rachel House, in Kinross, and Robin House, in Balloch, continue to provide end-of-life care as well as CHAS at Home which operates across Scotland.
