Village unites to spread Christmas cheer

We’re really showing our Christmas cheer this year with another wonderful community initiative dropping onto the MyWelshpool news desk!

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s story about The Inglenook Café providing free Christmas dinners to those in need or alone, and last week’s heart-warmer highlighting a toy drive organised by Vape Express, the residents of Guilsfield have come together to support the siblings of children cared for by Hope House and Ty Gobaith hospices.

Residents have donated more than 100 Christmas presents which have already been handed out to the wonderful charity.

“What started as a small idea to unite the church and school through a Toy Service simply snowballed,” said Suzi Harkness, who organised the collection.

“The Primary School staff and pupils really threw their weight behind it, gathering gifts that were then presented during a special Church Service by four pupils (pictured above). I can’t thank the school enough for their support.

“I’m also grateful to members of St Aelhaiarn’s Church who willingly brought their own gifts. It just shows what a community can achieve when it comes together.”

The gifts were received at the hospice by Sarah and Mel from the Activities Team (pictured). From Hope House, they will be distributed to families across Mid and North Wales and throughout Shropshire, ensuring that siblings of children in care enjoy a brighter Christmas.