Rose of Northamptonshire Mother Christmas Jeanette proves she's a good egg

As Mother Christmas, she's organised for thousands of presents to be gifted to county children but now Jeanette Walsh has been presented with a gift of her own.

The Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders Watson, was on hand to pay his own special tribute to Jeanette in an online ceremony to congratulate the selfless former social worker.

Not content with picking up awards and handing out presents, the industrious fundraiser and champion of looked after children Jeanette has turned Easter Bunny to bring some spring joy to children who would otherwise go without.

Swapping her famous red suit for fluffy ears, Jeanette has been delivering more than 5,000 eggs to treat the most vulnerable children across Northamptonshire.

Jeanette said: "I have taken the eggs to the teams in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Northampton and Daventry who look after children and now I'm delivering eggs to those in the leaving care teams along with meals and helping with their shopping."

Easter eggs werer paid for by supporters of a JustGiving page, set up by Nando's where Jeanette works part-time as a host at the Kettering restaurant.

The chocolate treats have gone to the Leaving Care Team, the Special Guardianship Team - where extended family look after children like aunties and grandparents - and the children in need teams.

Jeanette said: "There's 5,000 children across Northamptonshire including those living in children's home. I'm so pleased by the response I have had.

"I have made deliveries all across the county to all the teams I usually support and more. Thanks to the generosity of the public the children of Northamptonshire will be having a very happy Easter."

In a Zoom call with other recipients of the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards, Jeanette told the Lord Lieutenant about her work and how honoured she was to receive an award.

Congratulating Jeanette on her efforts, Mr Saunders Watson said that Jeanette's work was something that had given people a 'bit of light' in the dark days of Covid and thanked her.

The Rose of Northamptonshire Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions of those who live or work in Northamptonshire to the county’s response to the pandemic.

Set up by The Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire County Council the scheme highlights ‘Unsung Heroes of Northamptonshire’.

Jeanette has now started working on a new food-related giving scheme with a business partnership supplying meals with details to be finalised soon.

Jeanette and her Nando's colleagues are still fundraising for those in need - click here to donate to the Crowdfunding fundraising page.