Five children who survived Grenfell Tower fire deliver alternative Christmas message

The children discuss their experiences on the night of the fire

Five children who survived the Grenfell Tower fire have delivered this year's alternative Christmas message.

Aged between seven and 12, the youngsters discussed their experiences from the night of the blaze.

They also stressed the importance of having a home and urge people to “love and cherish” their families.

“My message for everyone at Christmas is to stay as a family, and don’t suffer about anything,” said 10-year-old Hayam Atmani, who lived on the 15th floor of the block.

“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.”

Megan and Luana Gomes, 10 and 12, who were both put into comas after the fire, spent five months living in a hotel before moving into a temporary flat.

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

Channel 4 has been broadcasting an alternative Christmas message since 1993.

Previous messengers include Edward Snowden and the parents of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.