Hi, I’m Serena. I’m a mum to three incredible kids (plus an amazing assistance dog, and 5 pet rats!). And I am rebuilding our life from the ground up.

Last year, everything changed very suddenly. The I had to leave our home, my belongings, my routines, and everything that once felt safe and familiar. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t gentle. It was traumatic - for all of us.

I lost my home, we lost the stability we had, and the children were left trying to make sense of emotions and situations that no child should ever have to carry.

Last Christmas, I didn’t have the children on Christmas Day. I saw them briefly Christmas Eve - and with the help of Women’s Aid I managed to give them a few gifts and some love in the middle of what felt like chaos. We made the smallest bubble of warmth in a year that had been anything but warm.

This year, I finally get them for part of Christmas Day. And I want to make it feel safe. Soft. Magical.

Not “big gifts” magical. Just home again magical.

But I am starting again from nothing.

I left with almost nothing.

Right now, I don’t have decorations. I don’t have a tree. I don’t have spare money for a Christmas dinner. Most months I’m struggling just to cover bills. Court processes and rebuilding have drained everything.

And yet - my children deserve joy.

They deserve a Christmas that doesn’t feel like survival.

They deserve to walk into a home that feels warm and soft and theirs.

This fundraiser is simply to help create:

• A tree and decorations

• A few thoughtful gifts that show them they are loved, seen, remembered

• Food to make Christmas dinner together

• Little touches to make the house feel like home again

I know many families are struggling.

I know Christmas is hard for so many.

I have donated, given, and helped others in the past many times. I never thought it would be me asking for help.

This isn’t about “not being able to afford Christmas.”

This is about trying to give children their childhood back after loss, instability, and emotional upheaval that they did not choose.

If this fundraiser goes slightly over the target, any extra will go toward the legal fees I’ve had to take on in trying to rebuild contact and stability for the children. I will also share updates, photos, and receipts openly so that everyone knows exactly how the funds are being used.

I’ll post updates on TikTok too - I’m @SerenaCollins

(so anyone who donates can see the magic they’ve helped create).

Thank you for even reading this.

Thank you if you share.

Thank you if you help.

Thank you for helping me give my kids one peaceful, magical, safe Christmas Day.

Serena x