York’s walls turned green this week – to raise awareness of a very good cause.
The walls were one of several landmarks in Yorkshire that shone green on Friday – the longest night of the year – in support of the NSPCC and its Childline service, which is supporting children across the country this Christmas.
Leeds Town Hall and The Deep in Hull also joined the event.
Katy Scott, NSPCC fundraising manager for the region, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make these brilliant light-ups happen at what can be an incredibly difficult time of year for families, children and young people.
“Our Childline service is expecting to be contacted by a child every 45 seconds this Christmas, and while it’s free for them to contact the service, every counselling session costs the charity around £4.
“Not only do the illuminated buildings provide a striking reminder that Childline is a beacon of light for young people in their darkest hours, everyone fundraising with a Walk for Children is making a huge difference and ensuring we can be there for children whenever they need us.”
Councillor Bob Webb, executive member for children, young people and education at City of York Council, said: “By lighting up the city’s beautiful walls on the longest night of the year, we hope the illumination will serve as a reminder that Childline is there for young people even in their darkest hour.
“We are pleased to support NSPCC by going green again this year. Their Childline teams in Yorkshire and across the country will be on hand around the clock to offer help, support and guidance to children whenever they need it.”