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Santa ‘Courtney O’Connor’ Claus presents a hamper to Bridget Crowley |
New Journal hampers spread a little cheer around the borough
Santa hands out the goodies as our annual appeal raises thousands of pounds for charity
EVERYBODY knows how every Christmas Eve, Father Christmas gives the order: “Ready the reindeer and prepare the sleigh!” as he sets about gift-giving on a global scale.
But people may not be aware that a few weeks earlier, he does a little warm-up routine in Camden delivering luxury Marks and Spencers hampers to some of the borough’s neediest, thanks to the generosity of the New Journal readers and businesses in the area.
The annual New Journal Hamper Appeal, started nearly 30 years ago, raises money each year to hand out hampers to those most in need of a reason to smile at what can otherwise be a trying time of year.
The New Journal’s own Santa-mobile was kicked into action for the first hamper drops on Monday and Tuesday, commandeered by Father Christmas, in the shape of theatre reviewer Jack Courtney O’Connor and New Journal distribution manager Don Ryan.
The magic was certainly sprinkled at the home of Karen Till, 45, who was nominated for the gift after a tireless year looking after her three children.
Ms Till, who has lived in the Ludham estate since she was eight and went to Parliament Hill School, cares round the clock for her son George, who suffers from a chronic form of asthma.
She said: “We have been going to the hospitals on pretty much a daily basis for around 15 years for George.
“I go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Royal Free and University College London Hospital – and sometimes all three in one day.” George, whose studies at Haverstock School are hampered by the many hospital trips, will be 15 on Christmas day and is looking forward to “double presents”.
Five weeks ago, Ms Till was rushed to hospital herself. She said: “I was diagnosed with diabetes in the Royal Free. That was a shock. I have my own breathing machine in the house and I have to have injections.”
Ms Till’s oldest son, Jonathan, 17, who could not make it for Santa’s surprise appearance – has overcome his meningococcal septicaemia which plunged him into a coma when he was a young child.
More than 250 hampers have already been delivered, with more on Santa’s sleigh. And only the generosity of readers has made it all possible.
Even in the poor economic climate, we have managed to raise thousands of pounds to pay for the hampers.
Another recipient, Bridget Crowley in Kentish Town, in her 70s, had never had a hamper before. “It’s lovely,” she said. “Some people are on their own and it’s nice to get something.”
See next week for more on our great hamper handout including our special visits to elderly people’s homes and a surprise calls at homes deserving a little extra festive sparkle this year. We’ll also print a list of all the generous readers who donated to the fund. |
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