Folk star Kate Rusby records twinkling lullaby for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice Christmas appeal

Singer-songwriter Kate Rusby has crafted her own rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle for the charity’s campaign of the same name.

Kate, a Mercury Prize nominated artist dubbed as the ‘Barnsley nightingale’ sung her rendition of the classic lullaby with the help of music producer husband and multi-instrumentalist, Irish musician Damien O'Kane.

She said: “It’s a privilege to be a part of a Christmas appeal that will ease the pressure on so many more local families.”

The appeal lets people commemorate loved ones by dedicating a star in their name on a virtual twinkling sky on the charity’s website.

It is an idea close to four-year-old Daniel Green’s heart. The brave youngster has a rare condition which means his family do not know how long they will have together.

Daniel, who stars in the song’s video, has been visiting Bluebell Wood for respite care since 2017. He was named after a family friend who died, and the family always look to the stars to remember him.

Grandma Zoe, 44, said: “Those who are no longer with us, or we’re unable to be near, we call stars. When he goes to bed at night we pick out stars on his bedroom ceiling and say they’ll be watching over you as you sleep. Daniel’s my ‘little astronaut’ and it’s almost as if the song was made specially for him.”

“That’s why Kate’s beautiful song means so much to us. We think she’s done a perfect job in capturing this and we’ll love listening to it while gazing at the stars.”

Every donation to the Twinkle Twinkle appeal will help families like Daniel’s make treasured memories

Kate said: "I really wanted to communicate a message of hope and togetherness with the song so I’m over the moon to hear that it means so much to Daniel and his family.

“I know the future is filled with uncertainty for families like theirs so the support and care of Bluebell Wood really does make the world of difference.”

Sam Wood, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: "We’re all totally blown away by Kate’s rendition which beautifully captures the spirit of our campaign."

To donate to the appeal, go to bluebellwood.org/twinkle.