Cumberbatch pens letter to Santa, asks for 'hope' for children

London: "Sherlock Holmes" star Benedict Cumer Benedict Cumberbatch has written a letter to Santa Claus, asking him for a moment of joy and hope for kids across the world.

The "Imitation Game" star wrote the note as a part of this year's 'Letters Live' series, reported Female First.

"This is what I'd like to ask you to help with. A little more time for children to be children. Stretch the moment of magic and playfulness. Distract them from the realities of a world gone mad so that they can laugh with their breath rather than sob with their tears.

"Especially those caring for family members, or suffering illness, hunger or poverty. Especially those hiding in buildings as bombs rain down, or being handed shaking with fear or cold into a boat to escape environmental disaster or war. Please help to light up their worlds with a moment of joy and hope."

The 39-year-old actor, who has son Christopher with wife Sophie Hunter, also used the opportunity to ask for a present missed by Santa in the past - a lightsaber.

"When I think about it you've got it tough this year... And when I really think about it I'm not sure that asking you for a lightsaber and getting one (not that I ever did by the way) is equatable with controlling the space time continuum and making the good of childhood last a little longer. PS Please could I have that lightsaber now?" he wrote.