A big-hearted family are missing out on their own Christmas celebrations - so they can spread a little festive cheer in hospital instead.
Spreading happiness - Neil and Janet Lawson with children Terence and Michael Hammond, Kieron and Ashlee-Jane Lawson, and Edward Hammond, with some of their Christmas hampers at their home in Wivenhoe. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (46552-1)
Janet Lawson and her five children would send Scrooge bah-humbugging into next year after deciding to spend Christmas Day taking food parcels to elderly patients in Colchester General.
Security officer husband Neil, has to work on December 25 so the family decided to postpone their party until they can all be together.
"The children won't even open their presents on Christmas Day, they'll do it on Boxing Day instead, when we'll sit down for Christmas dinner," said Janet, 36.
"It will show them that Christmas isn't just 'I want, I want'. It's also for those people out there who haven't got a lot - especially for the elderly who might not have any family."
Janet and youngsters Michael, 14, Terence, 13, Edward, aged ten, Kieron, nine and four-year-old Ashlee-Jane, are also busy putting together festive food hampers for old folk in their home town of Wivenhoe.
They are asking people to help by donating small food items such as mince pies, tinned fruit and veg and other yuletide goodies.
To help, contact Janet on 01206 820355.
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Published Wednesday, December 7, 2005
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