Bluebell Wood launches moving festive appeal with help of local star

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kate Rusby has taken a classic nursery rhyme, sprinkled it with stardust and transformed it into a breathtaking ballad to help launch Bluebell Wood’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ appeal.

The charity’s winter appeal gives people the chance to celebrate loved ones near or far by dedicating a star in their name – something very close to four-year-old Daniel Green’s heart.

The brave youngster, who’s been visiting Bluebell Wood for respite care since 2017, has a rare condition that means his family just don’t know how long they’ll have together.

Each and every donation to the Twinkle Twinkle appeal will help families like Daniel’s make precious memories they’ll always treasure www.bluebellwood.org/twinkle.

Daniel, 4,  was named after a close family friend who passed away, and the family always look to the stars to remember him.

“Those who are no longer with us, or we’re unable to be near, we call stars,” said Daniel’s grandma Zoe, 44, from Barnsley.

“When he goes to bed at night we pick out stars on his bedroom ceiling and say they’ll be watching over you as you sleep.

“That’s why Kate’s beautiful song means so much to us. We think she’s done a perfect job in capturing this and we’ll love listening to it while gazing at the stars.

“Daniel’s my ‘little astronaut’ and it’s almost as if the song was made specially for him.”

The Mercury Prize nominated folk musician’s rendition of the childhood favourite is in perfect harmony with the charity’s Christmas appeal, designed to help put a smile on people’s faces across the region and beyond.

“I really wanted to communicate a message of hope and togetherness with the song so I’m over the moon to hear that it means so much to Daniel and his family,” said Kate.

“After what’s been such a challenging year for so many of us, I think we could all do with reminding those closest to us just how important they are.

“This is something that’s even more important in these uncertain times as we simply don’t know whether we’ll be able to celebrate with those we love.

“I know the future is filled with uncertainty for families like Daniel’s so the support and care of Bluebell Wood really does make the world of difference.

“That’s why it’s such a privilege to be a part of a Christmas appeal that will help ease the pressure on so many more local families.”

Kate, who is sometimes referred to as the ‘Barnsley Nightingale’ and has headlined numerous festivals worldwide, sung her rendition of the classic lullaby with the help of music producer husband and multi-instrumentalist, Irish musician Damien O’Kane.

You can listen to the song and watch the charity’s accompanying video, starring Daniel himself, here https://youtu.be/VnMw4ZB89bc

Sam Wood, Head of Fundraising at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “It’s no secret that Kate’s a tremendously gifted musician so once we had her on board we were incredibly excited to hear what she would come up with.

“What can I say – just wow! We’re all totally blown away by her rendition which beautifully captures the spirit of our Twinkle Twinkle campaign.

“We really can’t thank Kate enough for lending her considerable talents once again, and we hope you all enjoy listening.

“Remember, you can help inspirational children like Daniel make the most of every moment this Christmas, while showing those closest to you how important they are, by supporting our Twinkle Twinkle appeal.”

You can show those closest to you just how much they mean, or remember a loved one who is no longer with us, by lighting a star in Bluebell Wood’s twinkling night sky here www.bluebellwood.org/twinkle.