Dorset's Julia's House hosting live online Christmas concert

The children's hospice charity is putting on a streamed telethon-style event.

Julia's House have tried to keep their sessions going as much as possible during the pandemic

Published 22nd Oct 2020

The Julia's House Christmas Cracker, as it's being called, will be held online on Wednesday 2nd December.

It'll feature live music, comedy sketches, Christmas readings and more, presented by special guests including patron Harry Redknapp, while also telling the stories of the children and families supported by the charity.

They're describing it as 'a big night in for all the family', with donations welcomed throughout the event towards their work at Julia's House.

Community Fundraising Manager, Liz Thompson, said:

"It has been an extraordinary year. 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."

Julia's House patron, Harry Redknapp, has agreed to be part of the Christmas Cracker event

The charity, which has children's hospices in Wiltshire and Dorset, say they want to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer, while making a life-changing difference to those they support.

There's details about joining the Christmas Cracker event on their Facebook page, or on the Julia's House website.

JULIA'S HOUSE NEEDS OUR HELP THIS CHRISTMAS

The charity's had to adapt their services throughout this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, while their normal income has dropped significantly.

Their nurses and outreach workers have continued to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families, to give them some respite when they're feeling overwhelmed, lonely or isolated.

They've also developed online video play sessions and story time, to keep with Government guidelines.

At the height of the pandemic, the Julia's House charity shops had to be closed and are still feeling the effects now.

Many of their charitable events have also had to be cancelled, reducing the amount of support they're getting in even further.

Julia's House only gets 5% of its funding from the Government, relying on public donations for everything else.