A Christmas classic is being retold by youngsters, spreading a festive message in support of a hospice.

Children aged between six and 11 have come together to make a short film based on the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the hope of raising awareness and funds for Gravesend-based ellenor hospice.

A taste of what you can expect to see in the video. Supplied by ellenor hospice charity

Ellenor provides hospice care to people of all ages, living with terminal or life-limiting conditions in the community across North and West Kent and Bexley.

Parents are being encouraged to sit and watch the video with their children this evening as a festive treat.

The story brings to life the most magical evening of the year – full of traditions and Christmas magic such as hanging stockings by the chimney, leaving out a carrot for Santa’s reindeer and getting those last gifts wrapped and under the tree ready for the next morning.

Speaking about the idea behind the film, ellenor’s director of care Linda Coffey said: “Christmas is a very exciting time. Our nine-year daughter loves Christmas.

"It’s a magical time of the year, a time for meeting up with family and friends and sharing special moments together.

“With the outbreak of coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns, for some people this Christmas will be hard and a lonely time of the year.

"Our daughter spoke to her friends who had heard ellenor was launching a Christmas appeal to help support adults and children living with a life-limiting illness and wanted to give something back.

"We began thinking of how we could serve the patients and families we care for, and came up with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a poem read on Christmas Eve by many families.

"This year, many of our patients will be unable to meet and share a Christmas dinner together, or to share special moments when children and grandchildren open their presents.

“The children were worried that the Christmas period would be a difficult and lonely time for some people, and they wanted to spread some joy in these difficult times so with the creative help of my husband Carl and his digital design skills, they have recreated their own version to add some sparkle and festive cheer."

Parent Gurpreet Jandu said: “Watching our children get ready for their filming for this amazing idea was so lovely to see. It reminded us of happier times but also made us think of those who may be lonely, in this challenging year, over the Christmas period.

"Knowing that all of the children involved wanted to wish the patients of ellenor, in their own way, a Merry Christmas, was heart-warming to see”.

Linda said: “The children have done an amazing job, and here at ellenor, we are immensely grateful for their support.

"We would also like to say thank you to everyone who continues to support us through these exceptionally difficult times”.

The tale will be available via ellenor's social media channels from today (Christmas Eve).

If you are able to donate to ellenor’s Christmas appeal, please go to www.ellenor.org/donate

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