As Christmas appeal tops £4,000 Mother Christmas thanks generous readers for digging deep

It's been three weeks since the Northants Telegraph and the Northampton Chronicle and Echo launched the annual Christmas gift appeal for Northamptonshire's most disadvantaged children and young people.

Our readers have responded most generously and through our online giving page the total has smashed through our target and has now reached more than £4,165 given by 129 kind-hearted donors.

The money you give will be used by 'Mother Christmas' Jeanette Walsh, on behalf of Northamptonshire County Council's social services team, to buy presents and gifts for looked-after children across the whole of the county.

She said: "The total is wonderful. Amazing. It's magical that such a fantastic amount has been raised in such a short time.

"Let’s keep going and make this Christmas the best ever for the children and young people.

"The difference every pound makes is unbelievable so please dig deep. Thank you so much."

You can read Jeanette's story of hope here or watch the video on how growing up in care inspired her to help children living in the most need.

Wellingborough-based The Faraway Children's Charity is helping manage the online fundraising page where people can donate.

The fundraising page will remain open until Christmas but the money will be used to buy the much-need gifts from December 10, 2020.

Jeanette aded: "This is for local kids in Northamptonshire. The kids didn't ask to be in the position they find themselves but donations can make a real difference.

"Let's make it the best Christmas ever for the children most in need and let's put a smile on their faces - they deserve it.

"It is so, so important that people support us this year. It will make such a difference to a lot of people. Give what you can - every little helps."

To give to the appeal please click here