A CHILDREN’S bereavement charity hopes to spread its message of support by selling its own unique Christmas card this year.

For the first time the Noah’s Ark Trust, which helps children and families who have lost a loved one, are selling the cards.

They have been made even more special as they were designed by a Worcester schoolgirl who herself has been helped by the trust.

Jennie Evans, aged 12, won the competition after taking part at one of the trust’s monthly Worcester workshops for young people who want to continue getting support from the charity and each other.

Miss Evans, who attends St Mary’s Convent School, Battenhall, Worcester, originally turned for help to the trust when her father David died of cancer when she was just nine years old. She went on the weekend break in Malvern and was able to receive support from one of the trust’s bereavement co-ordinators.

Her colourful design was turned into the finished article by Cherry Orchard Publishing, a greetings card business based in Twyning, near Tewkesbury.

John and Jackie Collins, owners of the business, donated the 3,500 cards to the Noah’s Ark Trust so that 100 per cent of all sales will go to the charity.

Mrs Collins said they wanted to help a local charity.

“We initially talked about a royalty payment from the sales of our Loss of Mum and Loss of Dad cards, which we have just set up,” she said.

“But we decided to run a competition for the children who have lost parents and who visit the Noah’s Ark workshops.”

Miss Evans’ mum Gaye said they were all thrilled she had won. “We are so excited to see her design in print and I have bought about 150 of the cards myself to send to friends and family,” she said.

Stuart Potter, community fund-raiser for the trust said: “The cards have been a huge success. Jennie’s design is a clever combination of traditional Christmas tree with subtle references to the ark.

“The design is really appealing and lots of our friends and supporters have been buying them. We’re thrilled that John and Jackie have supported this venture that benefits the local community.”

The cards are on sale at the trust’s office at Lowesmoor Wharf. Details can be found at noahsarktrust.co.uk.

Currently, your Worcester News is helping raise money and awareness of the charity to help them find a new home within the heart of the community.