Magical gift for centre users from kind backer

Families using Maggie’s Lanarkshire cancer caring centre received a special Christmas surprise thanks to a generous supporter of the Airdrie facility.

More than 50 grateful centre users received beautiful hampers containing festive treats including chocolates, toiletries, drinks and biscuits put together by Stephanie Close.

She has been making the gifts for five years in memory of her late mum – and the project has grown so much over the years that she even plans to hire a hall for the mammoth task of putting together this year’s gifts.

Coatbridge resident Stephanie fills the festive hampers thanks to donations from relatives, friends and colleagues at First Direct; and then spends hours wrapping them beautifully with the help of an army of supporters.

She said: “My mum always loved Christmas; and because I wasn’t able to give her a gift, I wanted to give gifts to others affected by cancer.

“Maggie’s is such a fantastic charity doing great work that this is my way of giving.”

Stephanie added: “We usually do the wrapping at my aunt’s house but thanks to people’s generosity, we’ll have to hire a hall this year because this has just grown and grown – it’s wonderful to see so much community support.

“My work always donate a voucher which allows us to buy some extras and I also organise a bonus ball competition to help raise money for a few extras; but largely, it’s just people’s kindness.”

Maggie’s Lanarkshire staff thanked Stephanie for her annual “gift of kindness”, saying: “The generosity in Stephanie’s cup is

overflowing, and we are the very lucky recipients of her big heart!”

Centre head Lorrie Cameron said: “These lovely gifts make a big difference to the people using our centre, and it’s a joy

to see people’s spirits lifted and see them leaving the centre with a smile.

“We’re really grateful to Stephanie and her friends and family for choosing to support

Maggie’s each year.

“This is truly the gift of Christmas which keeps on giving, and we’re very appreciative of Stephanie’s hard work and kind support.”

To find out more about Maggie’s Lanarkshire and the support and services it provides, visit https://www.maggies. org/our-centres/maggieslanarkshire/

Full of joy and goodness Some of the festive hampers collected by Stephanie, thanks to the kindness of everyone who donated