MEET SANTA’S SUPERSTARS
Children rewarded for their care and bravery
A caring youngster who always puts his friends before himself has been given a special gift from Santa.
Hayden Gray, 12, from Hetton, has autism and severe learning difficulties, but doesn’t let his health issues stop him from being there for others.
The youngster was adopted along with his sister Anne Marie, 15, by parents Alaine and Warren Gray, and was diagnosed with autism aged five.
He was chosen as the winner of our Dear Santa competition after writing a letter explaining why he deserved a special present this Christmas.
As the winner of the competition, Hayden has received a £100 Argos voucher, courtesy of Stagecoach North East.
In his letter to Santa, the Portland Academy pupil said that he works really hard at school and is always there to be supportive to his friends if they are down.
They happy and caring youngster wrote: “My family have fostered for the last seven years and I love having a younger child around to play with.
“I am always willing and happy to share my home, family and toys with them.
“I know they need extra care and help as they can’t live at their own house with their own family.”
Mum Alaine, 49, who is also a full-time foster carer, said she was so proud of Hayden and delighted that he had won the top prize.
She added: “He is just a lovely boy and with all the children that we have fostered over the last seven years he has helped and shared toys with them.
“He is such a caring little boy and tries hard with everything that he is asked to do.
“Some of his friends at school are unable to talk or walk and have complex health needs, and Hayden is really caring and is the first one there to give them a hug.
“He just takes everything in his stride.
“He is delighted to have won and will be hoping to get a tablet device.”