Partner Article

1980s kids’ TV characters revived for digital storybook campaign

An interactive charity book featuring ‘80s children’s TV show favourites has launched for Ronald McDonald House Charities – the independent charity that provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to enable families to be close to their sick child in hospital.

It is part of a three-month campaign, in collaboration with digital marketing agency Rawnet, to encourage parents to end the day with quality time reading with their children, as well as raise awareness and funds for the Charity.

In the story, Patch the Night Light, who represents the comfort that Ronald McDonald Houses provide, is joined at a talent show by several well-known characters from the 1980s including Pingu™, the Poddington Peas, Willy Fog, Dogtanian, Doctor Snuggles and Henry’s Cat.

A voiceover, music and specially-designed animations add to the interactive element of the free book. Matthew Addis, an actor with a long and experienced C.V. and recently appearing in War Horse, kindly donated his time and talent to the book also.

The release of this special book follows earlier stages of the campaign which have seen a competition to name Patch and the release of 10 local books, each set in a town or city where a Ronald McDonald House is situated.

Former England footballer and pundit Matt Le Tissier was one of the first people to get a glimpse of the interactive book with his daughter Ava on a visit to Ronald McDonald House Southampton last week.

He says: “I was humbled to read one of the 10 local books to children in the Charity’s Southampton House. They responded really well to the book and my daughter Ava was also there to enjoy story time. I hope other families download this new interactive book – I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of it! Please donate if you can and help the Charity support families with seriously ill children in hospitals across the UK.”

Marketing and Communications Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Lauren Gotlieb, says:

“We have watched this campaign grow over the last two months as increasing numbers of people have heard about it and leant their support. The encouragement we have had from local people has been amazing and we hope for a similar level of interest in this national book.

“We hope children have enjoyed our stories so far and that it has encouraged more mums and dads to read them a bedtime story, an act that is even more precious if their child is ill in hospital.”

Adam Smith, Owner and Managing Director at Rawnet adds: “The Night Light campaign combines a winning formula for the modern day bedtime story. It’s interactive, personal and fun, with the right mix of characters to keep kids and parents alike entertained, and to encourage them to spend time reading together. The entire campaign is not only a reflection of the importance of bedtime stories, but also highlights the outstanding service that Ronald McDonald House Charities provides to families across the country.”

Readers can download the book as well as donate to the Charity at www.rmhc.org.uk/night-light.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Martin .