A FILM and TV legend was the special guest at the launch of a new fundraising initiative for a children’s charity.

Hope House and Ty Gobaith, based in North Wales and Shropshire, have launched the Hearts of Gold initiative, raising money to fund support for babies born with a life-threatening condition and their families.

Staff and dignitaries at the launch were joined by Joanna Lumley, star of TV series Absolutely Fabulous and The New Avengers and movies including Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Founder member of Hearts of Gold, Lady Davies of Abersoch, hosted the first Thank You event at her Chelsea home overlooking the Thames, which was attended by members and guests from Cheshire, Shropshire and North Wales.

Each member has pledged to donate £5,000 annually to the cause.

Ladies also wore their exclusive Hearts of Gold bracelet donated by award-winning jewellers Clogau and created by their lead designer Sam Owen. Each had an engraved heart-shaped charm complete with a little Heart of Gold attached.

Karen Wright, head of community services, said: “Thanks to your support, our specialist neonatal nurse Karen will be there to provide emotional support and practical help such as getting families to and from hospitals to visit their baby, or empowering them to care for their baby in the place of their choice – in hospital, at home or at our hospices Hope House in Oswestry or Ty Gobaith in Conwy,”

Joanna said she was touched and thrilled to become a special member of Hearts of Gold when she was presented with her bracelet by Ty Gobaith major gifts manager Sarah Kearsley-Wooller.

“You are completely wonderful people, making life better and death easier for the most vulnerable and precious little people,” she said.

Another founder member who enjoyed the day was Amanda Keay, who has supported Hope House with her husband James for more than a decade.

She said: “It was a perfect day in aid of a wonderful cause. We are delighted to be able to help Hope House and Ty Gobaith to provide such crucial care to babies and their families’ at the most devastating time of their lives.”