Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is set to benefit from this year’s ITV Text Santa appeal.

The funds raised for Together for Short Lives, which is one of the six beneficiary charities for the appeal, will support the 53 children’s hospice services across the country including Rainbows.

Patricia Brookes, director of fundraising at Rainbows, said: “We’re thrilled to be benefitting from this year’s ITV Text Santa campaign through its partnership with Together for Short Lives. The funds raised will help us continue providing vital care and support to children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.”

Alesha Dixon will join the presenter line up for the first time this year. She said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Text Santa team. It’s a great show that does fantastic work for people we all know.”

Since the appeal launched in 2011, Text Santa has raised £15 million for charities. All funds raised for Text Santa will be distributed equally between the six charities.

Viewers can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/textsanta