Michelle Collins was joined by volunteers from the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation (AWTF) as she hung the first heart on the Wishing Tree at Lauderdale House launching the AWTF’s Big Christmas Drive.
Michelle Collins was joined by volunteers from the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation (AWTF) as she hung the first heart on the Wishing Tree at Lauderdale House launching the AWTF’s Big Christmas Drive.
The foundation was set up in memory of Alexandra Wylie who passed away from an incurable form of cancer after a two-year battle in 2010 at the age of just 17.
Alexandra’s parents, Lindsey and Rob, drive the charity forwards with the help of a team of volunteers including former schoolmates and patrons such as former Coronation Street and EastEnders star Michelle Collins.
Always conscious of Alexandra’s opposition to any form of social exclusion, the charity seeks to support children and young people to follow their dreams.
Michelle said: “This tree, right in the heart of Highgate, is a wonderful opportunity to help bring some Christmas cheer to those young people in our community who are struggling”.
Lindsey Wylie, the charity founder, said: “We are so grateful to Michelle for her incredible support for our Christmas programme. This is very difficult time of year for many local children and youngsters who feel left out of the festivities.
“We are hoping that lots of people will attend the lovely events we have on offer. Our first Pinkmas on the 11th December 10am – 5pm will see Lauderdale House transformed by the arrival of a forest of Christmas Trees decorated by local businesses and charities.
“The youngsters we support have been training as face painters and have organised a range of fun Christmas activities including a Christmas Karaoke competition with extraordinary prizes and making stocking fillers.”
As well as the Pinkmas event, the Symphonic Wind Orchestra of North London (SWON) are presenting a winter concert on Saturday 7.30pm, December 10th at Trinity URC Church, Netter Street, Finchley, N12 7NN.
Caroline Egen, SWON secretary, who hung the second Christmas wish on the AWTF tree said: “Our wish is that through a successful concert with good ticket sales we will be able to help as many young people as possible this Christmas.
Tickets for the SWON concert can be bought on the door or https://event.bookitbee.com/10138/swon-winter-concert
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