Watch Sheffield astronaut Helen Sharman's moving message for children's hospice here

Helen Sharman, who became the first Briton to travel into space in 1991, recorded the beautifully profound message for children and families who visit Bluebell Wood children’s hospice.

It comes after the charity recently launched its winter Twinkle Twinkle appeal, which gives people the chance to celebrate loved ones by dedicating a star in their name at www.bluebellwood.org/twinkle

Each donation will help the charity raise funds to help local families make the most of every moment together, after a challenging year in which the majority of its fundraising activity has been cancelled because of the pandemic.

Helen was delighted to lend her support.

Friends make festive masks for hospice

She said: “Who doesn’t like to look at stars? They’re magical, wondrous, awe-inspiring.

"From outside the atmosphere, I could see stars that are too dim to see from the earth’s surface. Those billions and billions of stars seem to go on and on forever.

“And, of course, to astronauts, star light doesn’t appear to twinkle; we need the atmosphere to make those constant dots of light to appear to move about, and sparkle.

“The Big Bang created the lightest element, hydrogen. Since then, the stars have produced every other element that makes us. We really are made of stardust, which is a magnificent thought.

“When I go out and gaze up at the night sky, I like to think that just as a star, every person has a way to shine.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.