Socialite Ben Goldsmith and Ally Pally skaters help launch Allie Wylie charity Christmas campaign

A charity set up in memory of a Highgate schoolgirl who died from cancer three years ago has launched a festive campaign to make sure deprived children get a Christmas dinner this year.

Multi-millionaire socialite and patron of the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation Ben Goldsmith joined ice skaters from Alexandra Palace’s pantomime on ice The Little Mermaid to start the fundraising drive on Tuesday.

The Make Christmas Count campaign launch marked the anniversary of the death of 17-year-old Channing schoolgirl Allie, as she was known to her friends.

The charity that bears her name, which raises money for underprivileged children in north London, will be asking for food donations to make sure local children are well-fed this Christmas.

Allie’s mum Lindsey, 53, of Gladsmuir Road, Highgate, said: “We are asking people to consider trying something this year that will really make a difference. Christmas is a time of generosity and a lot of people have already been wonderfully generous.”

Visit www.awtf.org for more information.