A LOCAL children’s charity is set to launch a Christmas in July fundraising campaign which will also highlight the sobering fact that some sick children won’t live to enjoy the festivities in December.

Sebastian’s Action Trust, which runs The Bluebells holiday home for seriously-ill children in North Waltham, is launching the campaign at the House of Commons in London on Wednesday, July 3, and is being backed by North West Hampshire MP Sir George Young.

Sir George is sponsoring the event, having been impressed with the charity when he visited The Bluebells last year.

The charity will hold the fun-filled month-long campaign to give ill children the chance to experience all the joy of Christmas, to raise awareness of their plight, and to raise £30,000 of funds to provide the children and their families with specialist respite holidays.

Sebastian’s Action Trust founder Jane Gates said: “We can’t wait for Christmas in July. It will be a magical month.

“We are urging all schools, business and community groups to get behind us by holding their own Christmas in July.”

The charity is organising a Summer Santa Fun Run at Down Grange on July 7 and an Aussie-style Christmas barbecue in Ascot on July 25.

A highlight of the month will be the Children’s Summer Christmas Party which will be held at The Bluebells on July 27, and it will be attended by the children and their families who use the services at Sebastian’s Action Trust.

To get ideas about holding your own fundraising events for the charity, visit sebastiansactiontrust.org.