A childhood bereavement charity has released its emotional Christmas advert to spread awareness of a sensitive subject around the festive season.

Winston's Wish work with children and young people all over the UK who have sadly lost a parent, guardian or sibling to support them with emotional and physical services to help them understand and engage with their feelings around death, loss and sadness.

The charity's Christmas campaign film, titled 'I wish I could wish you a Merry Christmas', focuses on the story of a young boy writing a Christmas card at school to his Mum, who has sadly passed away.

The advert provides a timely reminder that Christmas can provide challenges for many people, including those spending the festive period without loved ones for a variety of reasons.

Winston's Wish bereavement support worker, Charley, said: "The festive period can be incredibly tricky to navigate for bereaved children and young people.

"The sadness of missing their special person, the traditions that feel lost, new places and faces, and another year passing by.

"Winston's Wish cannot bring a loved one back, but we can support these bereaved youngsters and help them find their feet, whatever the season."

Filming for the video was shot in-part on-location at a new housing development in Kenilworth, built by Miller Homes.

The housebuilder was keen to support the campaign for the charity and opened its doors for Winston's Wish to use the show home at its Southcrest Rise development to film inside.

Darren Humphreys, managing director of Miller Homes West Midlands, said: "Winston's Wish approached Miller Homes to request the use of one of our show homes to film their charity campaign video, and we were more than happy to help them in any way they needed in order to share this incredibly powerful message before the Christmas period.

"Since the campaign's launch, I've heard from so many colleagues within the business at how emotional they felt when watching the advert, and how proud they feel to know Miller Homes played a small part in its creation.

"We all hope the awareness shared of this hugely important subject reaches those who need to see it most, and that Winston's Wish continue with all their extremely good work over the Christmas period and beyond."

Winston's Wish filmed at the Southcrest Rise show home in Kenilworth, built by Miller Homes, for their charity Christmas campaign video (image supplied)

Last year, Winston's Wish helped over 62,400 children and young people through the death of a loved one. The charity also supported the training of 1,300 professionals in education, health and social community sectors. The charity expects to support at least 5,000 children and young people in December alone.

You can view the charity's full Christmas campaign video via I Wish I Could Wish You A Merry Christmas, or search @winstonswish on social media.

Miller Homes is building 99 new homes at its Southcrest Rise development, off Glasshouse Lane in Kenilworth.

For more information on the development, visit the website.

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