An NHS worker has stepped in to help a family who will be spending their last Christmas with their mum.
Claire Mooney, from Skelmersdale, and her three children help others every year by delivering hats and gloves to homeless people struggling in the cold weather. But due to Claire suffering from illness and spending time in hospital she has not been able to get out and about, reports LancsLive.
This didn't stop the mum-of-three wanting to help others, so Claire asked if anyone knew a family who was struggling with Christmas and would benefit from support. Claire said she received a number of referrals, however was struck by one family's story who are spending their last Christmas with their mum and unable to afford presents.
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Claire helped the other requests using her own money and is now hoping to raise £600 to sort presents and Christmas food for the family. Claire said she doesn't know them personally but wanted to help out after a nurse explained their situation.
She said: "At this time of year, we buy hats and gloves and go out with the children giving them out. I put out an appeal for if anyone was struggling that we could try to help."
Claire added she has been doing the deliveries for around five years and was also partly inspired by wanting to teach her children to be aware of their situation and that of others. She said: "It also shows my children that not everyone is as fortunate as they are."
The NHS worker works in adult rehabilitation having recently moved from a job on the NHS's 111 service. She also runs a business selling sweet boxes which she set up as a way to keep busy after the tragic death of her nan.
Claire has launched on online fundraiser to help the struggling families and is hoping customers and the wider public can contribute.
It said: "I am wanting to raise enough funds to provide a young family having a very difficult time this Christmas with enough to sort Christmas Dinner and some gifts each for the three children under 16yrs old.
"Times are hard as it is but after reaching out to help people myself I really would like to raise enough to give this family a decent Christmas that they truly deserve. I donate to many charities and helping many families out of My own pocket I would love my customers/followers to help me on this journey in time for Christmas"
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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