Irthlingborough charity needs your help to make a child smile this Christmas

Chelsea Knighton wanted her family to help other children like her

Chelsea’s Angels, the charity set up in memory of Chelsea Knighton who died of childhood cancer neuroblastoma in 2009, will be running its Christmas Eve Box Appeal again this year.

The charity will be putting together boxes to give out to children on the ward where Chelsea was treated at Leicester Royal Infirmary to bring some festive fun to youngsters in hospital over the Christmas period.

Michelle Tomkins from the Irthlingborough-based charity, which raises money to help children and their families affected by neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers, said: “We managed to send out 144 boxes last year, which was amazing and not what we expected so we were overwhelmed.

Chelsea's Angels wants to give out more Christmas boxes like these

“We’d like to do it again this year and see if we can get some companies involved.”

Michelle said lots of people showed their support last year by donating items to go in the boxes or by offering to be drop-off points.

They also had support from Northamptonshire Police and Staysure who made up their own boxes.

Items which are needed include small selection boxes, pyjamas for children aged up to 18-years-old, Christmas colouring books and pens, Christmas DVDs, small packs of popcorn, hot chocolate sachets, fluffy socks of all sizes and small games.

The charity would love to hear from anyone who can donate some items or donate a whole box.

However, anyone who wants to make up a whole box is asked to keep the box unwrapped so the charity can add its own Christmas card and small gift.

Michelle added: “We hope you can help because the kids’ smiles were priceless when we gave them out on the wards last year.”

Chelsea’s last wish before she lost her two-year fight against neuroblastoma was for her family to help other poorly children like her.

Since her family set up the charity in 2010, the charity has provided help to many children and their families.

Support can include a gift for the child or assistance to the parents in covering costs such as fuel to get to and from hospital appointments.

They also put together care packs for children at Leicester Royal Infirmary which are given out throughout the year.

For more information about Chelsea’s Angels, click here