Clinique & GOSH: Kiss It Better 2013

Great Ormond Street Hospital is an institution very close to my heart. My cousin was born with many, many difficulties which lead to him being treated by GOSH from birth right up to his 18th birthday. Numerous operations a year, and even more appointments, left him able to live a normal and fulfilling life that would otherwise not have been possible. Our family have always been eternally grateful, supporting the hospital in any way we ever can, so this partnership is something I'm extremely happy about: Clinique is partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital for the sixth year running, as part of its Kiss It Better appeal - raising money to fund research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer. This year they've created a limited edition ‘Kisses from Clinique’ set featuring the best selling shades of Clinique’s iconic Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss; 50% of every pack sold will go directly to GOSH. Kiss It Better is the brainchild of Carmel Allen whose daughter Josephine was treated at the hospital for Neuroblastoma - a type of cancer. After many months spent at the hospital, and struggling to reconcile life as a Beauty Editor, Carmel decided that she wanted to help and devised the appeal. "The premise was really simple. Kiss It Better is something every parent says and does when their child is sick or injured. I wanted to turn Josephine's experience into something positive and to help make a difference to the lives of children with cancer everywhere" I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to ask Justine Trumper from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity a few questions about the campaign, and here's what she had to say...

What does a brand like Clinique raising money for GOSH mean to you?
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Clinique for  the sixth year running for the Kiss it Better appeal. Each year, they sell a beautiful product in support of the appeal – this year it’s the limited edition “Kisses from Clinique” set, featuring the best-selling shades of their Superbalm Moisturzing Gloss. Their support is helping us make a real difference for children with cancer.”

What is the best thing about the Kiss It Better campaign?
“It’s such a powerful appeal. Kiss it Better was founded by Carmel Allen, whose daughter Josephine was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital for neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. Her determination to turn their experience into something positive has been an inspirational driving force. It’s also really simple and easy for people to get involved. Whether it’s buying the Kisses from Clinique set, texting in a donation, or sending your Valentine a card from our exclusive range, it all helps raise vital funds for pioneering research.”

Where does the money raised go to?
“The Kiss it Better appeal supports essential research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. The money raised goes towards funding clinical research at Great Ormond Street Hospital’s cancer departments to make sure that as many children as possible are benefiting from the latest research and clinical trials, helping them to beat cancer.

How does the Kiss Is Better campaign inspire the children?
“Research makes a real difference – for example, survival rates for leukaemia used to be incredibly low, now over 90 per cent of cases involving the most common form of the disease are cured long term. By supporting important research, the Kiss it Better appeal helps bring hope to young cancer patients and their families.”

You've still got time to donate or buy the lipgloss set for £24.00 from House of Fraser - 50% of the RRP goes direct to the appeal, so there's never been a better reason to buy lipgloss! You can also text KISS12 followed by a donation amount (e.g KISS12 £3) to 70070. There is no cost to send the message and the donation goes straight to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.