Date published: 16 December 2016 by Anna Jackson

After a year that seems to have passed in a flash, I am looking forward to a calm Christmas with my family gathered around me.

This festive season Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity - the charity where I am proudly a Patron - will be helping families across England who have a life threatened or terminally ill child.

For these families, quality time together is an absolute luxury. Caring for a seriously ill child often means time apart to cover emergency trips to hospital, to attend numerous appointments or to attempt to keep life functioning for the other siblings in the family.

Rainbow Trust helps families at home, in hospital and in the community, wherever and however the family needs support. The charity’s dedicated Family Support Workers will be working tirelessly throughout December to help give these families a Christmas to treasure. Because family is everything.

Please donate whatever you can spare to help Rainbow Trust carry out it’s vital work. Just visit rainbowtrust.org.uk/donate or text RAINBOW to 70111 to make a £3 donation*

Annabel Croft

Former British No.1 tennis player and broadcaster

*By donating via SMS donors agree to be contacted via SMS message by Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity