The hospice hosted two special parties at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Sheffield for all those children and their families who use its services.

Each event saw 200 people attend and enjoy entertainment provided by a magician, Anna & Elsa from Frozen, the Voice Academy Choir, a DJ and disco, and all rounded off by meeting Santa and his elves in his grotto.

Arzoo Begum and Junaid Akmal, parents to two children in the care of Bluebell Wood, said: “We truly enjoy ourselves at this event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the family together and spend quality time.                                                              

“We’ve attended for the past three or four years, and it’s a fantastic place to meet new people and connect with others. You get to learn about different families, and most importantly, it’s magical for the children.

"When the children are happy, we are happy, and that’s what matters most.”

Eve Holroyd, care services Director at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “Our annual Christmas parties really are the highlight of our year. It was such a lovely day and so wonderful to see everyone come together bringing a little joy to the children, their families and also our staff.

 “The parties give the opportunity for guests to socialise and meet others with life-limiting conditions and have some traditional festive fun. Christmas is a magical time, but it can often be very difficult for our families. For some it may be the last Christmas they have with their child, so although that is always in our thoughts, and we try to make the parties as fun and positive as possible to help create really special memories for all to treasure.

“It was so uplifting to be a part of it and see the children’s faces light up. A huge thanks to everyone who came and made the day happen, including those who provided the entertainment.”

It costs almost £6.5m each year to keep the hospice running, with around just 16 percent of funding coming from government and the remaining 84 percent generated by fundraising. All services are completely free to families who are referred to Bluebell Wood.

To donate or find out more, please visit www.bluebellwood.org

Photography by Amy Johnson (Bright Eyes Photography)