A struggling family with just £12 in the bank have told how the wish they could cancel Christmas.
Couple Caroline Rose and Neil Tugby were both made redundant during the first lockdown and fear losing their home.
To add more stress to their desperate situation, their daughter Heidi, born premature, needs an operation.
Our sister title Birmingham Live reports how the couple, from Sandwell in the West Midlands, said money was so tight that Caroline was considering selling her engagement ring and Neil's hair and beard were falling out through worry.
Although Neil, 28, managed to find temporary work, he was let go after a few weeks as the family were forced to shield to protect Heidi.
Caroline, also 28, has a part-job but but said it wasn't enough.
She said: "I'm dreading Christmas as I'm struggling with my mental health, and Neil's hair and beard is falling out from all the stress too.
"I've found a part-time job but it's not enough and Neil found a temp job but because we're now shielding for another operation for Heidi, they had to let him go after only a few weeks.
"I think we have £12.12 in the bank right now. How am I going to pay our rent?
"We're probably going to lose our house as our savings have run out. I'm now considering selling my engagement ring.
"We'd definitely be cancelling Christmas this year if we could."
With finances tight, the couple were helped by Action for Children to buy food and toys - and they're not alone.
Carol Iddon, deputy chief executive of Action for Children, said: "Christmas should be the most exciting time of the year but instead children and young people are desperately struggling to get through this crisis, with parents wishing away the pressure of the festive season.
"Every day our frontline workers are helping parents keep their heads above water as some face the prospect of eviction or selling belongings to cover the cost of Christmas, while vulnerable children who should be enjoying a safe and happy childhood are suffering nightmares, panic attacks, or being scared of issues like death and illness."
People are encouraged to donate to Action for Children's Secret Santa campaign to help support vulnerable children by texting CHILD to 70607 or visiting iamsanta.org.uk.
