Charlotte Celebrates her 18th Birthday at the Children's Hospital

Charlotte Church, who was 18 years old on 21st February started her celebrations early. On Thursday, 19th February Charlotte visited the children's wards at The University Hospital Wales, Cardiff where she was presented with a birthday cake from the Noah's Ark Appeal. Charlotte met patients and invited them to blow out the cake candles.

Charlotte has been Patron of the Noah's Ark Appeal since the beginning of the campaign in May 2000. She has been a very active Patron, spending hours visiting the children and giving much of her time to support the fundraising campaign to build Wales' first Children's Hospital. Charlotte sang at a fundraising dinner in September 2000 with Chris de Burgh, has joined Ian Botham on both Walks and has donated the dress she wore when presented to President Clinton; this is currently being auctioned.

During her visit, a radiant looking Charlotte, who dazzled in a sequinned top and jewelled pink slippers cut into her birthday cake to applause from a delighted audience of hospital staff and children.

Charlotte said "The Noah's Ark Appeal has always been close to my heart; building the first Children's Hospital is a wonderful thing to achieve and I was only too pleased to give my support right back in 2000 when everything began. I was delighted to later on become Patron and would like to think that I have helped over the years: it's important to look after the children in Wales and I urge everyone to keep on supporting this great cause.

It has been wonderful to visit the children at the hospital again and hopefully cheering them up. I am delighted to share my birthday with them and my cake!"