Alternative Christmas Message 2017 - children of Grenfell Tower

20 December 2017

TX: 25 December 2017 at 2:30pm on Channel 4

IT was the tragedy that claimed 71 lives, including at least 18 children. Six months after the Grenfell Tower fire, Channel 4 will give some of the children who survived the blaze the opportunity to speak to the nation by delivering its prestigious Alternative Christmas Message.

In a poignant message to the nation to be broadcast on Christmas Day, five children who narrowly escaped with their parents speak of the importance of having a home and of cherishing family members – because we never know what tomorrow will bring.

One, who will spend Christmas in temporary accommodation as her family has yet to be rehoused, calls for everyone to be given a “nice, warm, cosy home”.

Hayam Atmani, 10, lived on the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower. She still has fond memories of her family flat, including the stunning views that impressed her friends. She said: “Everyone came. They were just saying, ‘Oh that’s so cool! I wish I lived here.’ You could see the whole area, parks and stuff. They were just like, ‘Oh that’s so cool!’” Hayam and her parents managed to escape from the fire on June 14th, but lost friends. She still has vivid memories of the night of the tragic event: “We went down the stairs and all we could see is this big flame on the side of the building.” Now they live in a small hotel a long way from her school – where they will spend Christmas and Hayam’s birthday on the 27th. Hayam admits: “It’s not that much fun”. She added: “My message for everyone at Christmas is to stay as a family, and don’t suffer about anything. I know this has been a really hard time for everyone. But everyone went through. And everyone helped as a family. So I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Luana Gomes, 12, and her sister Megan, 10, lived on the 21st floor. Remembering past Christmases in the tower, Megan said: “We always got a real tree, not a fake tree. We would all gather around the tree and open our presents together, and sometimes go round to our Gran’s.” The family only just managed to escape and both girls were placed into induced comas while they were treated for smoke inhalation. They spent five months in a hotel, but were recently moved to a temporary flat where they will spend Christmas.

Megan said: “My Christmas message is that I think all families, children and parents should have a nice warm cosy home. I just want everyone in the world to have a house at least.”

Luana added: “My Christmas message is that everybody should love and respect each other because you never know what tomorrow will be like. And it is important to love and cherish your family.”

Amiel Miller, 10, and his brother Danel, 7, recall what happened on the night of the Grenfell Tower fire. Amiel was the first to wake up after he smelled smoke and heard people screaming. He got his mother, father and Danel out of bed and they ran down the stairs from their flat on the 17th floor. They all escaped the fire, but it was a terrifying experience – and Danel describes seeing “stuff falling down from the tower and grass on fire.” The brothers said they enjoy seeing family at Christmas, playing with their cousins, opening their presents and eating “mountains of food”. They are looking forward to spending this Christmas in a new flat, having recently been permanently rehoused. Amiel said: “My Christmas message is… it’s not all about getting presents it’s also about giving.” Danel added: “Share food!”