Champion Alice Simpson set up Shoebox Celebration Appeal

Since January your Gazette has been shining the spotlight on dedicated, inspiring local heroes across north Essex.

With your help, we produced a shortlist of worthy winners and readers have spent the past fortnight voting for their champion.

Today we can reveal that Alice is our winner and a £100 shopping gift card is on its way to the 33-year-old.

Alice has been distributing gift boxes throughout the pandemic, bringing joy and happiness to vulnerable people of all ages across Colchester.

She delivered 226 celebration shoeboxes in the run-up to Christmas and another 110 over Easter.

“I’m completely shocked to win,” said the former St Helena School student, who also prepares special, personalised birthday boxes and has given some to charities including St Helena Hospice.

“It’s humbling to think readers have voted and I’m speechless, because I don’t do this for recognition.

“I do it to put smiles on faces and that’s more than enough for me.

“To be honest, I can’t believe how the appeal has snowballed since first having the idea in October.

“I put something on Facebook, then set up a separate group and now we have nearly 1,000 members.

“We couldn’t do it without the help of the community, who have overwhelmed me with their generosity in terms of donations.

Spreading joy - Alice Simpson (right) and Jean Harrington make a special delivery to West Mersea RNLI

“People have given so much, including sweets, chocolates, biscuits, smellies, puzzle books and colouring books, not to mention money.

“One lady has even sent us bits from Japan.”

Alice and her team have delivered presents to everyone from young children to people in their 90s.

She has the support of volunteers in different parts of Colchester and gets great helps from neighbour Jean Harrington.

“It’s been incredible and I always describe it as a puzzle,” said Alice, who lives in Greenfield Houses, Birch.

“There are lots of little parts that come together and the end result is seeing that look on someone’s face when we deliver their box.

“It really has been incredible and while I’m thrilled to win this prize, I couldn’t do it without all the people who donate so generously and help distribute our boxes.

“It’s a real team effort.”

Alice dedicates hours of her time to the operation but has no plans to slow down.

“I certainly plan to carry on,” she said.

“Just because the pandemic appears to be easing, it doesn’t mean the vulnerable will suddenly have lots of people around them. Hopefully we can keep making a difference and bringing light into their lives.”

To nominate someone for a gift, email Alice via shoeboxcelebrationappeal@gmail.com.

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