Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Shehab Khan

Five children who survived Grenfell Tower fire deliver alternative Christmas message

Five children who survived the Grenfell Tower fire have delivered this year's alternative Christmas message. 

Aged between seven and 12, the youngsters discussed their experiences from the night of the blaze. 

They also stressed the importance of having a home and urge people to “love and cherish” their families. 

“My message for everyone at Christmas is to stay as a family, and don’t suffer about anything,” said 10-year-old Hayam Atmani, who lived on the 15th floor of the block. 

“I know this has been a really hard time for everyone, but everyone went through and everyone helped as a family. So I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

Megan and Luana Gomes, 10 and 12, who were both put into comas after the fire, spent five months living in a hotel before moving into a temporary flat. 

“My Christmas message is that I think all families, children and parents should have a nice warm cosy home,” Megan said. “I just want everyone in the world to have a house at least.”

Channel 4 has been broadcasting an alternative Christmas message since 1993. 

Previous messengers include Edward Snowden and the parents of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.