Daily Express Christmas Appeal: Support Roald Dahl’s children’s charity

A delightful collection of Christmas cards by the legendary illustrator Sir Quentin Blake can be sent online to avoid the jam-packed festive post.

The e-card service will help raise money for the Daily Express Christmas Appeal in support of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Co-president of the charity Sir Quentin, who is now 92, illustrated 18 of Roald Dahl’s most famous books and created the cards to support Roald Dahl Nurses caring for children with life-limiting conditions.

Charity chief executive Louise Griew said: “Sir Quentin Blake has drawn us a lovely collection of Christmas cards which cannot fail to raise a smile at this time of year.

“The great thing about them is that if you miss the post or think it is too expensive these days you can send our cards online using the Christmas E-Card service.

“It’s quick and easy and if you would like to support us you can donate what you might have spent buying your cards and posting them.

“There are also birthday and thank you cards which can be sent in the same way and they’re great fun.”

The Charity supports the work of 150 specialist Roald Dahl Nurses caring for more than 36,000 seriously-ill children across the UK.

The families of Sadie Simons, 9, from Puckeridge, Herts and Maisie Reid, 5, from Rochester Kent say their lives have been “transformed” by the care and help the nurses provide.

Maisie’s mother Holly, 35, told how their Roald Dahl Nurse Teresa McIntyre helped care for Maisie who suffers from Rett Syndrome which has left her unable to walk or talk.

Holly said: “Before we had Teresa we felt lost and in a dark place where no one else was speaking the same language, and we don’t anymore.

“Now I can call Teresa and say, ‘Maisie doesn’t seem right today’ and she’ll give me a call.

“Or when Maisie is admitted to hospital, I call Teresa and she appears, looking for us, asking if I’m alright, joining in meetings with doctors.

“Teresa knows Maisie’s history, and will fight for what is best for her while explaining everything to us. That makes a difference that is hard to describe.”

Sadie’s mum Lucy added: “The Roald Dahl Nurses make an incredible difference to people’s lives and we’re so grateful for their help.”

To send an E-Card visit https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/roald-dahls-marvellous-childrens-charity/christmas

Every £1 you donate to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity will be doubled up to £30,000 thanks to a generous group including Brioche Pasquier UK.

By post: Make your cheque payable to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and send in a stamped envelope to: Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, 17 Chiltern Business Centre, 63-65 Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AA.

Please enclose a short note with your contact details and a few words about your donation so we can thank you personally and, if appropriate, ask if you’d like to complete a Gift Aid Declaration from.

Online: To donate instantly and securely, please visit roalddahlcharity.org/christmas or scan on the QR code.

By telephone: Call our Supporter Care Team on 01494 890 465.

Our donation lines are open Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:30pm. Out of hours, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

Or: Text NURSES followed by your donation amount to 70470.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

If do not wish to hear more from us, text NURSESNOINFO instead.

If you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your contribution by 25% at no extra cost through Gift Aid. Thank you.

Registered Charity 1137409