Well-known writer, presenter and former MP, Gyles Brandreth, is providing the voiceover to a Christmas animation for London based charity, Rainbow Trust, which supports families with a seriously ill child.
To highlight the difficulties faced by families with a seriously ill child, particularly at Christmas, Rainbow Trust has produced a Christmas animation drawing inspiration from a family the charity has supported since February 2018.
The cartoon begins with a small boy, Kevin, solemnly staring through the window as ambulance emergency lights radiate through the room. Images of his family follow, showing him, his dad and his sister struggling to enjoy Christmas morning after his sister is rushed to hospital with his mum.
The words accompanying the images, voiced by Gyles, take inspiration from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and are brought to life by the broadcaster’s instantly recognisable voice.
Gyles said: “I am delighted to provide the voice for this very moving Rainbow Trust animation. My family has benefitted from Rainbow Trust directly and so I understand just how important the charity’s Family Support Workers are to help families cope when they need it most. It is my pleasure to give a voice to such an important Christmas appeal.”
The three-minute animation shows Kevin writing to Father Christmas and asking for him to help his family spend time together at Christmas when his sister is seriously ill. The elves and Santa puzzle over Kevin’s request to find the best solution.
Then Father Christmas realises the family needs someone “with an incredible heart” and “who’d be there whatever they needed”, and together with his elves he creates a Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker, “who’s one-of-a-kind.”
Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Rainbow Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Gyles for lending us his distinctive voice for our festive animation. Time is immensely precious for families caring for a child with a life threatening illness and never is that more keenly felt than during significant milestones and annual festivities.
“At Rainbow Trust our Family Support Workers help give time to families: time together, time to rest, time to talk and time to cope. Thanks to Gyles, our animation will raise awareness of the work we do and hopefully encourage donations this Christmas so that we can reach more families who need our support.”
To watch the animation, visit rainbowtrust.org.uk/christmas-time
