Britain’s first ever astronaut records extra special message for Bluebell Wood’s Twinkle Twinkle appeal

Britain’s first ever astronaut records extra special message for Bluebell Wood’s Twinkle Twinkle appeal

“We really are made of stardust” – Britain’s first ever astronaut has recorded an inspiring message about the wonders of the night sky in support of Bluebell Wood’s Twinkle Twinkle appeal.

Helen Sharman CMG OBE, who became the first British person to travel into space in 1991, recorded the beautifully profound message specially for children and families who visit the hospice.

It comes after the charity recently launched its winter Twinkle Twinkle appeal, which gives people the chance to celebrate loved ones near or far by dedicating a star in their name www.bluebellwood.org/twinkle

Each donation to the appeal will help the charity raise much-needed funds to help local families make the most of every moment together, after a challenging year in which the majority of its fundraising activity has been cancelled because of the pandemic.

When the Bluebell Wood approached the famous former astronaut, who is originally from Sheffield, she was delighted to lend her support.

Her poetic and eloquently delivered message really captures the essence of the charity’s appeal, while delivering a much-needed message of hope at the same time:

“Who doesn’t like to look at stars? They’re magical, wondrous, awe-inspiring. From outside the atmosphere, I could see stars that are too dim to see from the earth’s surface. Those billions and billions of stars seem to go on and on forever.

“And, of course, to astronauts, star light doesn’t appear to twinkle; we need the atmosphere to make those constant dots of light to appear to move about, and sparkle.

“The Big Bang created the lightest element, hydrogen. Since then, the stars have produced every other element that makes us. We really are made of stardust, which is a magnificent thought.

“When I go out and gaze up at the night sky, I like to think that just as a star, every person has a way to shine.”

You can see Helen’s message for yourself here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNQ9Q8jCv0w

Helen, who is originally from Sheffield, became the first British Astronaut in 1991 when she was just 27-years-old. The trail-blazing role model spent 8 days orbiting the earth while living and working on the MIR space station, after being chosen from a pool of 13,000 applicants.

Madeleine Oldale, Head of Communications at Bluebell Wood, said: “It’s a great honour to have such an inspirational pioneer support our appeal and we can’t thank Helen enough for her captivating and thought-provoking message.

“I know the timeless spirit of wonder she captures will mean a great deal to the families in our care, and it’s in perfect harmony with our Twinkle Twinkle appeal.

“It costs over £5m each year to keep our doors open for families who need us, and with only around 15 per cent of this coming from government sources, we need your support more than ever this Christmas.

“Twinkle Twinkle is the perfect to way show your support for a life-changing local charity while celebrating those closest to you at the same time.”