Why Thomas’ story proves the best gifts can’t be wrapped
While Christmas brings happiness to many, some families face a very different reality. Thomas’ story shows how your generosity could bring hope when it’s needed most.
Thomas' lives with his parents, Jess and Dave, and his two older sisters. He was born with a cleft palate and needed surgery at just 14 months old. He was later diagnosed with autism.
Over the years, Thomas' family have struggled financially. With no where to turn, they reached out to Action for Children for help.
While Jess was pregnant with Thomas, the family struggled with the rising costs of living. Despite his dad, Dave, working full-time, his salary wasn't enough to cover the basic essentials and household bills.
Eventually, Jess reached out to Action for Children, where the family were referred to a support worker, and granted access to a food bank.
Once Thomas arrived, life became more challenging. He was born with a cleft palate and needed multiple surgeries.
When his second operation was scheduled at just 14 months old, his parents were extremely worried about costs.
The hospital was miles away from their family home, and they couldn't afford the extra petrol and overnight stays.
Luckily, Action for Children were there to help.
Their support worker provided vouchers to help cover the costs of petrol, parking, meals, and a hotel stay.
It meant that Dave could stay overnight near the hospital for support, while I stayed with Thomas. It was just such a relief.
Jess, Thomas' mum
For many families, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But for some families - including Thomas’ - it's just another day in the calendar.
For Jess and Dave, the financial pressure was taking its toll. Despite having some leftover supermarket vouchers, they couldn't afford to buy presents for their children.
Jess said: “I was so worried about how I was going to make it magical for them. At one point we couldn't even afford a loaf of bread!”
Just days before Christmas, their Action for Children support worker surprised them with bags full of presents.
We also wanted Thomas and his family to feel the magic of Christmas and have something to look forward to.
They were treated to a festive family day out aboard a Christmas train, and even had a magical visit from Santa.
I could never have saved up enough money for our family to go on such a special Santa trip. It created such a precious memory for all our children at what was a tough time. It was so magical and the children still talk about it now.
Each year, we ask people to be a charity Secret Santa for a vulnerable child by giving a charity Christmas gift or making a donation.
Because for too many children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical.
But you could help change that and help a vulnerable child like Thomas feel the magic of Christmas.
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