Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall backs Cancer Connections' 12 Layers of Christmas appeal

The Little mix singer is a patron of charity Cancer Connections and has come up with the idea for this year’s Christmas fundraising campaign.

The 12 Layers of Christmas initiative challenges supporters to play The 12 Days of Christmas and put on a layer of clothing in time with each gift’s announcement in the song.

Jade launched the campaign with a video demonstration on the Cancer Connections Facebook page this evening, Saturday, December 5.

Cancer Connections’ Deborah Roberts said the charity had been forced to take its fundraising efforts online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

She told the Gazette: "All our events have been cancelled this year – we have got no fundraising done this year.

"I spoke to Jade’s mum and asked if we could do something with her – then I got sent a video with her performing it. You have to put 12 layers of clothing on in time with the music.”

Deborah, who hopes the challenge will give people something to smile about at the end of what has been a tough year for us all, added: “I think people are just so fed up and this is really, really funny.”

Singer Jade has been a keen supporter of Cancer Connections since she was a little girl and Deborah said the charity could not have asked for a more passionate supporter.

"She has just been an amazing patron from the very beginning, from us trying to start Cancer Connections,” she said.

“Way before the X Factor days, she used to come along and help to raise funds when we were trying to buy the building.”

Jade is still a regular at the charity’s annual Boxing Day Dip – December 26 is her birthday – and also does meet and greet sessions with young cancer sufferers and their families.

"She may live down south but she has certainly not lost touch with her roots,” added Deborah.

"She is just one of the most beautiful, giving people you will ever meet and she is absolutely passionate about our town and our community.

"She is a lovely lass and we are extremely grateful for the time and effort she puts in.”

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cancer-connections

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