The Sick Children’s Trust announces soprano Margaret Keys as official charity ambassador

The Sick Children’s Trust is excited to announce that renowned Irish Classical Soprano Margaret Keys has been named as an official ambassador for the charity which supports families with seriously ill children in hospital with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation.

The classical singer has been a supporter of the charity since 2015 when she was invited to perform at its annual Christmas Carol Service in London. Since then, Margaret has gone above and beyond in helping the charity raise vital funds by donating her time and raising awareness of the charity’s vital support for families with seriously ill children. Margaret, who has performed with West End stars Alfie Boe, Russell Watson and Paul Potts and is due to release her next album at the beginning of 2018, says:

“When I performed at The Sick Children’s Trust’s Christmas Carol Service in 2015, I was extremely touched and honoured to meet families who the charity had supported. Seeing and hearing their stories made me realise just how important The Sick Children’s Trust’s work is and the impact it has on a sick child’s wellbeing and recovery.

“No child should face being left alone in hospital, but when they are undergoing lifesaving treatment at a specialist hospital, their parents are unable to stay by their side. That’s why The Sick Children’s Trust is so vital. The charity’s ‘Home from Home’ ensure parents are only ever minutes away from their child, on hand to provide the love and reassurance they need.

“Parents too need the basic essentials that we all take for granted – somewhere to have a shower or a hot bath after a busy day on the wards, somewhere to prepare a proper meal and, most importantly, somewhere to get a comfortable night’s sleep. This is exactly what The Sick Children’s Trust provides. In the most difficult of times, they give families a ‘Home from Home’ so that they can be there for their seriously ill children. From the moment I heard their personal stories, I was a huge admirer of The Sick Children’s Trust and was determined to help the charity in whatever way possible.

“I recently visited Stevenson House in London, which supports families with children undergoing treatment at The Royal London Hospital and saw first-hand the difference the charity’s work makes for so many families in desperate need of support. I am in awe of what The Sick Children’s Trust does – it’s a very worthwhile cause with a wonderful team of people behind it. I am so proud to be named an official ambassador and will wear the title with pride.”

The Sick Children’s Trust runs ten ‘Homes from Home’, supporting around 4,000 families from across the UK, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and beyond with children undergoing specialist treatment at leading children’s hospitals in England. Chief Executive at The Sick Children’s Trust, Jane Featherstone, says:

“We are delighted to welcome Margaret as an official ambassador for The Sick Children’s Trust in recognition of her ongoing support and passion for our work. I would personally like to thank her for her dedication to the charity, and for the warmth and empathy she shows towards the families under our care. We couldn’t be more grateful for the time and support Margaret has given – and we’re very much looking forward to continuing to work with her in the years to come.”

This year, The Sick Children’s Trust has launched its first ever Christmas appeal which Margaret is supporting. The appeal – All I want for Christmas – aims to raise £13,140 to run the charity’s ten ‘Homes from Home’ over the festive period.

Margaret adds: “This Christmas I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my passion for music, spreading a little cheer and magic every time I sing. I also know that during the festive period I will be surrounded by those who love me most. That’s why The Sick Children’s Trust’s Christmas appeal resonated with me – it’s about granting a simple wish for poorly children in hospital. Making sure they can wake up on Christmas Day with their mums, dads, brothers and sisters around them.

“It costs the charity £30 a night to support a family with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation by their sick child’s bedside, making their Christmas wishes come true. That’s something I think you’ll agree is truly magical.”

To find out more about Margaret Keys, please visit: http://margaretkeys.co.uk/