A galaxy of stars have come together to support Yorkshire Children’s Charity who have been delivering Christmas presents and winter essentials to over a thousand families across the region hit by the cost of living crisis. Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter, lioness legend Rachel Daly, actress Charley Webb, creator of Bridget Jones Helen Fielding and TV presenters Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones have joined forces to raise awareness of the charity’s Christmas appeal which has seen a 300% increase this year in applications from families in need of support this Christmas. 

National treasure Jim Carter from Harrogate, Downton Abbey’s favourite butler, opens the video with an emotional reflection on his love for Yorkshire whilst delivering the stark reality of the child poverty situation in the region. 

“Yorkshire it’s a special place of rolling hills and rich heritage. It’s a place you can be proud of. But devastatingly the cost of living crisis means that one third of all children in Yorkshire are now living in poverty and officially the child poverty rate in Yorkshire is the worst it’s been in over twenty years. Simply put that means that some of our children are living in destitution”. 

Yorkshire Children’s Charity relies entirely on the generosity of the public who volunteer, donate and attend their renowned programme of events put on across the region throughout the year. This generosity has allowed the charity to respond and fulfill every application submitted by families and schools for help this winter – a vast task undertaken by the charity’s small but committed team in time for Christmas. 

Yorkshire Children’s Charity Ambassador, actress and Mum of three Charley Webb says “Yorkshire Children’s Charity Christmas Appeal has seen triple the amount of applications this year with families in need of the most basic essentials – a winter coat to keep their children warm, school shoes to keep their feet dry and warm bedding for a good nights sleep. Three things that every child should have”. 

Yorkshire Children’s Charity, who are based in Chapel Allerton and have been operating since January 2022, are committed to reaching every child in Yorkshire who needs their help. Their mission is to support children in the region living at a disadvantage whether due to financial circumstance or ill health. Yorkshire Children’s Charity Ambassador Helen Fielding from Morley said “Speaking as a Yorkshire woman I think Yorkshire folk are very good at rolling their sleeves up and helping out their own when things are tough. And things are really tough for a third of all children living in Yorkshire. Yorkshire Children’s Charity are committed to providing warmth, shoes and so many basic essentials for these children. And every penny we give will go straight to these children” 

In the run up to Christmas the team at Yorkshire Children’s Charity have been packing and delivering over eight thousand items to schools and families to help ensure children are warm this winter, and have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas with presents under the tree. 

England footballer Rachel Daly, from Harrogate says “Yorkshire Children’s Charity was able to make a difference to many children across the region but there is still so much more work to be done”. 

Yorkshire Children’s Charity Chief Executive Officer Charlotte Farrington said “ We are so grateful to all of our celebrity friends who have got behind this year’s Christmas Appeal, to have their support for our region’s children means so much and makes a real difference. This year our Christmas Appeal has received an unprecedented number of applications from families who have really needed our help. Whilst it’s been a mammoth operation it has reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas. We have always, and will always be there for our families who need us, and none of this would be possible without the generosity of the public, our army of volunteers and the kindness of so many local businesses who have leant a hand this Christmas. From the bottom of our hearts we say a massive thank you” 

TV’s Helen Skelton also thanks the everyone for getting behind the charity Appeal saying “ Hearing what people are going without this winter has been utterly heartbreaking and we know many, many families are struggling at the moment. Thank you for filling that gap and for going above and beyond for so many families in your communities”  

To help support the work of Yorkshire Children’s Charity who operate all year round and to make a donation, please click here.