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Celebrity support

We are extremely proud and fortunate to have so many celebrities who support the work we do. They help us spread the word and raise awareness of Rainbow Trust so we can continue to reach more families with a seriously ill child who need our help.

Mary Nightingale, ITV broadcaster and Rainbow Trust Patron

"As a mum I felt a real affinity with what they do. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to have a sick child, but being faced with the prospect that your child might not get better must be unbearable. Rainbow Trust’s Family Support Workers make the best of the worst of times by ensuring that each family gets the help they need. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach and every mum, dad, brother and sister is made to feel that they, as well as their child or sibling, really matter. I can’t think of a better cause to support and I am proud to offer whatever help I can."

Hugo Taylor, Made in Chelsea star and founder of Taylor Morris Sunglasses

"Rainbow Trust truly makes a difference. It is an amazing charity driven by love, hard work and passion for helping others. They have my full support and always will."

Gyles Brandreth, Broadcaster, writer, former politician, TV presenter journalist, author and publisher

"My family’s worst fears became reality when my grandson was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer when he was just 18 months old. Rainbow Trust became like an extra member of the family. Their Family Support Workers give you and your family time: time together, time to spend with your other children, time to breathe, or time to catch up on your sleep, because no one sleeps well beside a child’s bed in hospital."

Austin Healey, England rugby star, sports presenter and Rainbow Trust Patron

"I’m a father to four daughters so I can only imagine just how distressing it is to be told that your child is seriously ill. I decided to support Rainbow Trust as I’ve seen the work that they do with families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.”

Sue Cook, TV and radio presenter and Rainbow Trust Patron

“I’ve been involved with the Rainbow Trust for many years, having first discovered its work when I was presenting BBC TV’s annual Children in Need Appeal. The Charity’s work was unique then and it still is. I feel very privileged to be one of their patrons.”

Annabel Croft, Tennis star, sports presenter and Rainbow Trust Patron

“It’s unimaginable to think of your own child being so sick. The reason I love Rainbow Trust is that they think about all of the little things that parents in this position might need - whether it’s helping out with siblings or just giving mum the chance to nip to the shops. When I was asked to become a Rainbow Trust patron it was a no-brainer. How could I not get involved with a charity that helps people when they are at the lowest and supports them for as long as they need it? I’m happy to help in any way that I can.”

Charity Wakefield, Actress

"Rainbow Trust is a phenomenal organisation and if you are interested in hearing more, they will be happy to share their ideas and experience, and of course would always be grateful of support financial or otherwise, so they can continue to do their brilliant work."

Gillian Wright, Actress and Eastenders star

“I’ve talked and laughed with a number of families supported by Rainbow Trust over the years. I’ve been struck by their staff’s passion, understanding and their ability to care for families who have a child with a terminal illness. I wanted to know more and was privileged to make a ‘surprise’ visit to a family who were Eastenders fans too! I saw at first hand the ramifications of dealing with a seriously ill child. It’s hard to imagine the pain suffered behind closed doors, what courage and strength that’s summoned. It’s the quiet seemingly invisible work behind closed doors that Rainbow Trust undertakes, that keeps me humbled and in awe.”

Alex Kingston, Actress

BAFTA nominated actress known for her role as Dr Elizabeth Corday in ER and River Song in Dr Who has read at several of our London Carol Concerts in Knightsbridge.

Jessica Swale, Film maker, theatre director and writer

Olivier award winning film maker, theatre director and writer best known for the musical Paddington who attended our 40th anniversary gala dinner at the Savoy in March 2026.

Sebastion de Souza, Actor

Actor known for his roles in The Life List, The Great, Normal People, Medici and Skins who has attended and read at our prestigious London Carol Concert in Knightsbridge.

Doon Mackichan, Actress and comedian

“I support Rainbow Trust because of the vital work they do supporting families who are living with trauma of terminal illness or the effects of lifesaving drugs upon a child. It is invaluable support to the vulnerable and traumatised. They help the whole family so it is truly a holistic charity!”

Sebastion Faulks, Author

Renowned author of classic novels Birdsong and Charlotte Gray who has attended and read at our prestigious London Carol Concert in Knightsbridge.

Rupert Penry-Jones, Actor

“When a family is faced with having a child who is terminally ill, every member of the family is placed under unimaginable pressure. Mums and dads arm themselves for the battles ahead, grandparents rally to help siblings and care teams gather around the sick child in hospital and at home. The strength, selflessness and courage these families show every day makes them truly remarkable.”

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What Rainbow Trust does

Alexander Armstrong

Much loved comedian, actor, TV and radio presenter best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller as well as hosting his weekday Classic FM show and co-hosting the TV show Pointless. 

Alexander hosted our glittering black tie gala dinner at The Savoy in the The Strand to mark our 40th anniversary celebrating 40 years of supporting families caring for a seriously ill child.

Rob Delaney, BAFTA, winning writer, actor and comedian

Rob has spoken openly about the death of his son Henry in 2018 and the support he and his family received from Rainbow Trust. 

Excerpt from Rob's book A Heart that Works:​

"It was an unsettling journey to go from being someone who gave to charities - or ignored their appeals - to being a beneficiary. Rainbow Trust supports families who have a child with a terminal or life-threatening illness. They pair you with a support worker who spends a few hours with you each week, helping in any way they can. Our Support Worker was named Fiona - and, boy, was she the best."