Childline: Once I was that Child

When Christmas dreams turn to Christmas nightmares for many children in Ireland Childline their only lifeline.  This is the stark message from ISPCC, as Ireland's leading children's charity launched their Christmas appeal. Voiced by Academy Award nominated actress Saoirse Ronan - "Once I was that child" is a powerful piece that shocks the listener into hearing that for some children in Ireland, Christmas will be a living nightmare.

"Once I was that Child" is the story of an ordinary child.  One who wished for many things, who was full of joy and wonder, but who had their Christmas, their childhood and their future stolen by abuse. We are taken on a journey from the best of times to the worst of times. It reminds us that once innocence is lost, it is gone forever. And by implication it reminds us that it is our duty to support and cherish children no matter what they are going through.

Deirdre McNamara, Director, Marketing and Communications, ISPCC said: "We are so incredibly grateful to Saoirse Ronan. Her ability to tell such a chilling story of a child drowning in trauma is truly heart-breaking. This campaign, created so generously by Javelin is a stark reminder that for some children in Ireland, Christmas simply does not happen. It is a day, the same as any other, often filled with neglect, abuse and trauma. Donations to ISPCC this Christmas will ensure that Childline will be available every day and night this holiday season (as we are throughout the year) because we know that for many, many children Childline can be their only lifeline."

Des Kavanagh, Creative Director, Javelin: "It is a privilege to work with the ISPCC. Every day of the year they make a difference to countless children’s lives. When we wrote this piece, we knew that it was bleak but felt that the truth at the heart of it was worth telling. But the writing is only the beginning. It is really Saoirse who brings the piece to full, terrible, haunting life. She found the textures and the nuances and humanity in the words. Her voice made the awful truth mean more. I would also like to thank Kevin at Avondale Studios for the wonderful production and Sofia Kavanagh who provided such a tender yet forceful appeal for support at the end of the ad."