Mum launches festive appeal

Our Caring at Christmas campaign will feature some of the many amazing projects going on in our communities.

We start with an appeal to put a smile on the faces of hundreds of Horsham children which has been launched by a mum and her schoolboy son.

Sharon Walker started a drive to collect Christmas selection boxes after Bradley, aged 10, asked her if they could invite a pensioner to share their turkey on December 25.

He had been inspired by a television advert for gravy, which encouraged viewers to welcome lonely strangers into their homes. Mrs Walker, who is a professional cake maker, decided the family could help in another way.

She said: “When Bradley asked me whether we could have an old person over for Christmas I told him that is what the Salvation Army do and maybe we could something else like bake bags of cookies to give to them. But then it just came to me that we could collect selection boxes for children.”

She has since learned from the Salvation Army there are at least 340 children within the Horsham district who the organisation deem worthy of help.

Mrs Walker, from Southwater, said: “I couldn’t believe that figure. It has really touched me and I can’t believe the reaction we have had so far”

The owner of Cakes By Sharon Walker has established selection box collection points which include Sakakini Jewellers in Carfax, Horsham; the tea bar in Horsham Hospital in Hurst Road; The Ironing Shop on Old Guildford Road in Broadbridge Heath and Coco’s Style salon in Southwater and Billingshurst. The target they have set is at least 400 selection boxes by December 16. If you can help please contact her on [email protected]

Do you know of an appeal or project which deserves celebrating? Email us at [email protected]