Celebrities and figures from the worlds of business, music and TV have thrown their weight behind Haven House’s Christmas appeal.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green launched its ‘Christmas Wishes’ appeal – to encourage people to leave an uplifting message to the children and families they care for and to support the charity this Christmas. And celebrities have been getting behind it, too.

Singer Leona Lewis, Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden, philanthropist Katie Piper, reality TV star Billie Faiers and fiancé Greg Shepherd are among the famous faces who have recorded video messages for the children who have life-limiting conditions.

James ‘Arg’ Argent and Dancing on Ice’s Gemma Collins also joined the line-up. Recording her message on Instagram with her dancing partner Matt Evers Gemma said: “Hi it’s the GC. We have just come off the ice and we are supporting Haven House Children’s Hospice this year to ensure all those special children have a wonderful Christmas with their families. Swipe up and you can help too.”

Blowing a kiss to the camera Leona said: “Hi guys it’s Leona Lewis and I just wanted to wish all the children and families at Haven House an amazing and magical Christmas. Please know that you are in my thoughts every day not just Christmas. Love all of you guys.”

As the festive period draws near the charity is appealing for support to help children spend Christmas at home with their loved ones. Thanks to many celebrities sharing the campaign through social media, the #christmaswishes appeal has been the most successful to date for the charity raising just under £15,000.

Since 2003, Haven House Children’s Hospice has provided palliative and holistic care for over 900 babies, children and young people (birth-19) who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Mike Palfreman, chief executive at Haven House said: "Across North and North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire we provide a range of services to families to support them through the most difficult circumstances imaginable. These include planned respite, short break and end-of-life care, as well as services designed to improve emotional and physical wellbeing.

“We know the best gift we can give our children this Christmas is to be at home with their family enjoying precious moments together and we need the support of our local community to make this happen.”

You can view our celebrity Christmas Wishes on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

To support Haven House this Christmas visit havenhouse.org.uk/christmaswishes