Mum’s delivery of advent calendars opens new doors

A HILLINGDON mum-offive and her youngest son have collected a staggering 473 advent calenders for children in hospital thanks to the help of friends, family and complete strangers.

Hayley White left a post on Facebook two weeks ago to say she would be collecting the Christmas calendars for sick children, and has been overwhelmed by the charitable response.

She came up with the idea after spending the last year-and-a-half in and out of hospital for tests due to her son Finley’s undiagnosed health problems.

The three-year-old suffers from around 80 seizures a day, has problems with his movement and visits a speech therapist.

But Miss White said the youngster takes it all in his stride.

The 32-year-old added: “I did it for my son who’s had a rough year with ongoing health problems.

“We’ve spent a bit of time in hospital and we’ve got to go back every few months. “It’s very upsetting. “But he’s the happiest little boy ever.”

Miss White, who works as a carer, joined Finley to deliver the great bundle of calendars to Great Ormond Street and Hillingdon hospitals last Wednesday.

Friends and family members made donations, including some of Finley’s older siblings, but more surprising was the number of strangers who helped to spread a little Christmas cheer.

In just a fortnight, the impromptu festive campaign has racked up hundreds of calendars to deliver to children who will be stuck in hospital over Christmas.

Miss White said after delivering the calendars: “It was quite emotional.

“The hospitals were really grateful and are going to send a thank you card.

“This is all new to me. I’ve never done anything like this before.

“But I was amazed how many people actually did donate.

“I wasn’t expecting the amount I got.”

After the surprising community response, Miss White is already looking to next year.

She says she may be able to double the amount of calendars she hands out in 2017.