Christmas has come early as a charity aims to shine a light on the reality of premature births.
Festive events have been kicking off up and down the country 100 days before Santa comes to town to raise awareness.
Every year there are 60,000 babies born prematurely – with 100 days marking the earliest point a baby can be born and still have a chance of survival.
READ MORE: Fourteen ‘fare dodging’ passengers spotted pushing through barrier at Tube station in one afternoon
Bliss have now reframed the phrase ‘Christmas comes early’ to turn this idea into a poignant symbol of hope, support, and solidarity.
With the festive period being a time of joyful surprises many families dealing with premature babies their early arrivals are filled with uncertainty and heartache.
In an effort to catch the attention of the nation Bliss organised a plethora of festive themed events up and down the country.
The streets of Soho, central London, were filled with 50 Santas, who got shoulder-to-shoulder with commuters on the Tube to spread their message.
Punters at King’s Cross Station were treated to a host of carols by the International Gospel Choir, as reported by Need To Know.
The Norwich Choir and The Commons Choir in Islington and Norwich also belted out festive tunes to help raise awareness.
Pubs such as The Scotsman’s Pack in the Peak District turned into a winter wonderland with festive menus and carollers.
Santa’s Grottos popped up in locations such as Norfolk’s Jolly Junction and Norwich’s Castle Quarter Mall.
Bliss’ Premature Christmas campaign aims to support families by urging the public to donate.
The charity offers year-round life-changing support for babies in neonatal care and their families.
Caroline Lee-Davey, Bliss Chief Executive said: “Whatever time of year a baby is born early, it’s the start of a terrifying journey.
“For families spending the festive season beside their baby’s incubator, these moments become bittersweet.
“Through our Premature Christmas campaign, we wanted to remind them they are not alone, and to rally the nation behind them.”
READ MORE: Controversial Banksy tribute created by artist on beach
