THE little girl who gave her name to Claire House Children’s Hospice has brought magic to a Wirral school’s annual carol service.

The mother of Claire Louise Cain, who helped found the hospice in Clatterbridge, shared a special memory of her daughter with students, staff and parents from St Mary’s Catholic College.

Chris Cain recalled the poignant moment when Claire, then aged four, played an angel in a school nativity play.

A smiling Mrs Cain said: “Tonight has reminded me of the time Claire was playing the Angel Gabriel. She stood there and wobbled the whole time, but somehow she managed to get through it.”

Mrs Cain thanked St Mary’s for donating £1,000 which will support the work of the hospice.

Claire House has cared for thousands of children in the years since Claire died of cancer two weeks before her 10th birthday in 1989.

Following her death, her parents embarked on a journey to create a place to make their child’s final days more comfortable, while enabling the family to be together at such a difficult time.

And after many years of planning, committee meetings and fundraising events, Claire House Children’s Hospice opened in December 1998, giving families a choice that was not available to the Cain family.

The carol service was held in Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey Village, with performances from St Mary’s students, including a brass ensemble and ukulele orchestra.

Students from SS Peter & Paul Primary School, New Brighton, also took part.

Claire’s older sister, Tracey Patton, also attended the service with her son Kieran, currently in Year 8 at St Mary’s.

St Mary’s headteacher Tony Boyle said: “We are delighted to be able to support the inspirational work of Claire House.

“It was a very special evening, and we were honoured to welcome Claire’s family and to remember her in our Christmas celebration.”