Following on from a conversation in a meeting I was part of today, I heard something that really upset me and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. And I feel compelled to act!

As you may know, it’s a cause that is very close to our family’s heart.

When young people who have been fostered or in care in any other setting, move to ‘independent living’ (and this could be anywhere from 16-18 years of age), they are practically supported by the local authority but funding is tight and they have very little financially to live on.

At Christmas time they are given a very (very) small ‘festive allowance’ but many of them will have no present at all to open on Christmas Day. Nothing.

Can you imagine how that would have felt when you were that age? Nothing under the tree, no surprises, nothing to look forward to…

So in a similar vein to previous years my family are going to do what we can to gather some gifts to give to these young people.

As it’s all a bit last minute I have this year set up a go fund me and I will use the money to buy some pressies and ensure they get to the people that they’re bought for.

So if you can spare a thought for children in this situation then perhaps you could spare some money - no matter how small - and make their day that bit special.

I’ve set the target at a nominal amount but obviously whatever we raise will be shared, and the more we raise the more people we can reach.

Lots of love

The Cliftons