The annual fundraising campaign, which culminated in a night of star-studded festive entertainment on Friday 20 December, has now given a total of £13.9 million to UK charities since 2011.
This year the money raised will be spit evenly between Barnardo’s, BeatBullying, Age UK, British Heart Foundation, CLIC Sargent and of course, Help the Hospices.
Help the Hospices will use 50% of the money raised towards the national work of the charity and the remaining 50% will be used to support its member hospices.
ITV organised a whole host of awareness raising events in the lead up to the final show, from the Toys “R” Us and Daybreak Toy Box Appeal, which distributed donated toys to hospices across the country, to special editions of their prime time shows, including a cameo appearance in Coronation Street by pop star, Cheryl Cole.
There were emotional broadcasts too, with Greenwich and Bexleyheath Community Hospice featuring in a short appeal film on Friday evening.
42-year-old Alex who was diagnosed cancer in October 2012, bravely told her heart-breaking story to help raise awareness about the work of hospices.
Tragically Alex was told earlier this year that her cancer was incurable, a moment she describes as “devastating.”
During the film viewers were introduced to her husband Ian and her daughter Jessica, who is just three-and-a-half years old. Alex explained how her family is being supported by the hospice to create lasting memories for her Jessica.
In an incredibly honest interview, Alex told actor, Jim Carter: “… the more time I spend crying or being depressed or angry, is time I am losing with Jessica and Ian.”
Speaking through her tears, Alex said she just wanted her daughter to be proud of her and Jim Carter – who plays Mr Carson in Downton Abbey – said: “Hand on my heart, she will be terribly proud of you… I can’t believe how beautifully you’ve spoken about it.”
The film can be viewed on the ITV Text Santa website.
David Praill, CEO of Help the Hospices, said he was “delighted” by the generous amount of donations raised by the appeal. Speaking about Alex, he added:
“Alex’s story has powerfully highlighted the value of hospice care and how it can touch the life of not only someone affected by terminal illness but their family too. The funds raised from this appeal will enable our member hospices to continue to provide vital care for terminally ill patients and their families, as well as boosting our national programme of work to support hospices.”
The ITV Text Santa website has a selection of images and video clips available on its website; including performances from Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow and the Big Reunion, whose single, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’, will also benefit the Text Santa 2013 appeal.
You can donate to the Text Santa appeal until 10 January 2014 at 5pm. Visit the Text Santa website to find out how.
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