ONE of the world’s best known celebrity photographers has cemented his support of Claire House Children’s Hospice by agreeing to be an official patron of the charity.

During his 20 year career, Rankin has photographed the likes of Madonna, David Bowie, Kate Moss and the Queen but he was touched by the Wirral hospice when he visited during the preparations for his 2013 exhibition, Alive in the Face of Death.

The exhibition, which ran from May to September 2013 at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, profiled individuals who deal with the prospect of death on a daily basis.

Rankin photographed seven young people from the Bebington-based hospice, which cares for children and young adults with life limiting or life shortening medical conditions.

“My visit to Claire House was one of the most life-affirming experiences of my career,” said Rankin.

“I came away with the knowledge that these young people lived their lives we as all should – to the full.”

Rankin’s new role as patron of Claire House adds to his already busy portfolio of philanthropic work including campaigns for organ donation, work with the Prince’s Trust and the iconic Bear Faces appeal with Children in Need.

Clair Bedford, relationships manager at Claire House, said; “Rankin’s visit to Claire House had such a positive impact on our team and the families who took part and being involved in the Alive exhibition was monumental for us as a charity.

“Everyone feels such pride in the images Rankin shot of the young people.

“They remind us every day of why we’re here and keep pushing us to do the best job possible for the young people and families that need us.

“We’re over the moon that he has taken our cause to his heart and agreed to be a patron and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Rankin team back to Claire House in the near future.”