Hi, my name's Mel and it's that time of year again where I ask you to please help me to help children and women in desperate need.

Havering Women's Aid are a charity whose work is nothing short of amazing. They support women and children who have suffered violence, trauma and fear in their own homes; the place that is supposed to be their sanctuary. A place they have had to leave behind, along with family and friends, to literally stay alive. The children have seen and experienced things no child ever should They have very little, if anything at all, have to rebuild their lives from scratch and often turn up with literally the clothes they are wearing.

Every year I aim to provide each child with a gift (from their list to Santa ) and each mum with a small token as well as a (minimum of) £20 voucher for food, which although won't go very far in the current climate, will allow them to treat themselves to a few things we take for granted at this time of year.

I know these are financially testing times for us all but believe me, we have so much more than they could possibly imagine and what they get from us is more often than not, all they will have for Christmas. This year there are currently 20 ladies and 30 children (with more arriving before Xmas) that need our help and some love and kindness. Please help me to help them all.

Every single penny of the funds raised for this will be spent on/used to buy gifts for a child, provide a voucher for food or a small gift for the women/mums (the children are so happy when they see mum have something special too).

I am also holding a quiz night to raise additional funds for this but will be kick starting it with £200 of my own personal money.

Everything MUST be delivered to them on December 18th, so I'm hoping to raise all necessary funds by December 16th at the latest so I can ensure all the gifts/food vouchers are purchased in time. Thank you ❤️

Thank you ❤️