Cork girl Lucy is among the stars to celebrate success of Toy Show TV appeal

Start counting the days, mum and dad... because one of the most exciting family events of the year is looming.

Yes, that icon of TV-land, The Late Late Toy Show, hits our screens on RTÉ1 next Friday at 9.35pm.

Make a date to join Patrick Kielty and children from across Ireland for hours of festive fun and games. As ever, expect a show filled with toys, performances, star children, and endless magic!

And to get us all in the mood, Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal airs on RTÉ1 tomorrow at 7.30pm - an hour of inspiration exploring the real magic behind the show’s annual charity appeal, where we meet some of the children whose lives have been changed by the generosity of the viewing public.

Since it began in 2020, The Toy Show Appeal, managed by Community Foundation Ireland, has raised more than €26 million, funding projects and charities that support children who need it most.

The uplifting programme takes us beyond the sparkle of the Toy Show to meet the beneficiaries, and among them is Lucy Kelly, from Ballyclough in Cork, a wheelchair user whose world has opened up through the support of The Crann Centre.

Young cancer survivor, Sophie Quirke, from Tipperary, is also featured. With the help of Oscar’s Kids, she enjoyed a magical day of pampering, helicopter rides and surprises.

These are the real stories of how the Toy Show Appeal is changing lives.

We also meet families finding comfort after loss of a parent at Barretstown Bereavement Camp, children gaining confidence through ChildVision’s equine therapy, young writers discovering their voices at Fighting Words, and others supported by Safe Haven sailing project, BUMBLEance, and My Canine Companion.

Each story is shared through the voices and experiences of the children and families whose lives have been touched by the Appeal, reminding us what it is truly about.

Between these stories, there are other, shorter bursts of joy from even more Toy Show Appeal-funded charities across Ireland, along with messages of support from famous friends including musicians Bon Jovi and Westlife.

The programme also honours Saoirse Ruane, whose courage and spirit inspired the launch of The Toy Show Appeal.

Her mother, Roseanna, shares Saoirse’s story and the enduring legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind.