Christmas is starting early at Haven House Children’s Hospice as they prepare for this year’s Text Santa, ITV’s annual charity appeal.

Text Santa, ITV’s annual charity fundraiser, will return in December 2014 to raise money and awareness for six UK based charities including Together for Short Lives, the leading charity for UK children’s hospices.

The funds raised for Together for Short Lives will support the 52 children’s hospices across the country including Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green. The appeal has raised £15 million for charities since it started in 2011.

Text Santa will once again provide some of the most exciting and anticipated television over the Christmas period.

Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives said: "Together for Short Lives is absolutely delighted to be benefiting from Text Santa again this year. Children’s hospices are all charities and rely on donations – the money raised will make a real difference to local children’s hospices helping them to deliver lifeline support – so families can make the most of their precious time together. We can’t thank ITV enough."

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive at Haven House Children’s Hospice said: "It’s great news that Haven House will benefit from Text Santa this year. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to be involved in a national scheme that will highlight the excellent work of children’s hospices across the country."

Ant & Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Christine Bleakley and Paddy McGuinness hosted the 2013 live show, which was broadcast on 20th December and was watched by a peak audience of 6.1 million people.