Emmerdale star’s major announcement as she tells fans of her excitement
The young soap favourite expands her impact beyond Emmerdale as she takes on a major real-world responsibility supporting children and families in West Yorkshire.
Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan, best known to millions of ITV viewers as April Windsor, has been awarded a significant new honour after being appointed ambassador for the West Yorkshire-based charity Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the 18-year-old actress, whose career in the long-running soap has already earned her national recognition, including the Best Young Performer award at the 2025 British Soap Awards.
Now, Amelia is stepping into a role that extends far beyond the screen—helping to raise awareness and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
A Rising Soap Star Using Her Platform For Good
Born in Leeds and raised in Halifax, Amelia has grown up in the heart of Yorkshire—making her connection to the region’s communities especially meaningful as she takes on this new ambassadorial role.
As part of her involvement with Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Amelia will support fundraising initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and outreach projects designed to bring greater visibility to the charity’s work across West Yorkshire and beyond.
The organisation provides specialist care for children with life-limiting illnesses, offering not only medical and emotional support but also vital services for families navigating extremely difficult circumstances.
Her appointment places her among a select group of high-profile ambassadors already supporting the charity, including Jodie Whittaker, Rhys Connah, Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, former footballer Mark Crossley, and rugby league stars Eorl Crabtree and Michael Lawrence.
A Visit That Left A Lasting Impression
Amelia recently visited Russell House, the charity’s purpose-built children’s hospice in Huddersfield, during April 2026.
The visit gave her first-hand insight into the care provided by staff and volunteers, as well as the emotional and practical support offered to families across the region.
According to the actress, the experience helped deepen her understanding of the charity’s mission and strengthened her commitment to supporting its work moving forward.
While April Windsor is often seen navigating intense and dramatic storylines on-screen, Amelia’s real-life involvement with the hospice reflects a very different but equally impactful role—one rooted in compassion and community engagement.
Amelia Flanagan On Her New Role
Speaking about her appointment, Amelia expressed excitement and gratitude at being chosen as an ambassador for the organisation.
“I’m really excited to become an ambassador for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. The work they do is so important, and I am looking forward to helping them spread awareness of the specialist care they provide for children and families in West Yorkshire.”
Her statement highlights her desire to use her public profile to shine a light on often underrepresented issues affecting young patients and their families.
For a performer who has grown up on screen, the opportunity represents a meaningful step into advocacy and public service alongside her acting career.
Charity Leaders Praise Amelia’s Support
Gareth Pierce, Chief Executive Officer of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, welcomed Amelia’s appointment, praising both her influence and enthusiasm for the cause.
He highlighted the value of working with young public figures who can connect with new audiences and help bring attention to the charity’s mission.
He also noted that Amelia’s visit to Russell House offered her a deeper appreciation of the environment—joking that while her Emmerdale character often experiences chaos and drama, the hospice provides a place of calm, care, and stability.
According to the organisation, her involvement is expected to significantly boost outreach efforts, particularly among younger demographics who may not yet be familiar with the charity’s work.
A Growing List Of High-Profile Supporters
Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has built a strong network of ambassadors from across entertainment, sport, and public life.
Alongside Amelia Flanagan, supporters include television actors, athletes, and sporting legends who each contribute to raising awareness and helping fund essential services.
This collaborative approach has helped the charity extend its reach, strengthen community engagement, and ensure more families can access the support they need during incredibly challenging times.
Amelia’s addition to the group continues this momentum, reinforcing the organisation’s connection with Yorkshire’s creative and sporting communities.
Life Beyond Emmerdale For Amelia Flanagan
While Amelia remains a key part of Emmerdale’s ongoing storyline as April Windsor, her ambassador role signals a growing public profile beyond the soap.
Having started acting at a young age, she has become one of the most recognisable young faces in British daytime television. Her character April has been at the centre of several emotionally charged storylines, earning her critical praise and a loyal fan base.
Now, with this new appointment, Amelia is balancing her on-screen career with meaningful real-world impact—an evolution that reflects both her growing experience in the industry and her personal commitment to charitable work.
A Meaningful Step Forward
Amelia Flanagan’s appointment as ambassador represents more than just a celebrity endorsement—it highlights the increasing importance of young public figures using their platforms for social good.
For Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, her involvement brings fresh visibility and renewed attention to its mission of supporting children and families across West Yorkshire.
And for Amelia, it marks a new chapter—one where her influence extends beyond the drama of Emmerdale and into real-life impact that resonates far beyond the screen.
As both her acting career and public profile continue to grow, this latest role suggests Amelia Flanagan is becoming not just a soap star, but a powerful voice for meaningful change.