Huge Success: Mother Christmas' donation appeal helped disadvantaged kids enjoy Christmas

January 9, 2024

Huge Success: Mother Christmas' donation appeal helped disadvantaged kids enjoy Christmas

Mother Christmas, Jeanette Walsh, has said a big and sincere thank you to all of her ‘Christmas Helpers’ in and around Northamptonshire who has helped make 2023’s gift appeal so successful!

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust has received a wide selection of donations consisting of gifts, food hampers, toys, toiletries, gift vouchers, soft toys and monetary donations that has helped disadvantaged families, children and teenagers enjoy the magic of Christmas.

The donated gifts have been distributed across the county to individuals working within Children and Young Peoples Services covering the areas of Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton and Wellingborough and Rushden.

Mother Christmas was also able to supply gifts to safeguarding teams, leaving care teams, special guardianship team, children in care council team, the contact centre, looked after children’s teams, five children’s homes and early help teams. All of the help and support Mother Christmas has received for the 2023 appeal allowed her to supply gifts to teams across the county!

Easter is coming up and Mother Christmas will be looking to collect Easter eggs to distribute across the county so keep an eye out to find out how you can donate!

Please see below stories from families who have received gifts from Mother Christmas in 2023 and find out how your donation helped a family enjoy Christmas:

Other News

What to do at Wicksteed Park this Christmas 2025

Are you looking for some fun, exciting and festive activities to do this Christmas? Wicksteed Park is the place for you! From meeting Santa Claus and dogs in Christmas jumpers, to children’s parties and adults only events, there is something for everyone! Here is what to do at Wicksteed Park this Christmas 2025:

Say hello to Terry and Taylor the tortoises!

We'd like you to meet Terry and Taylor!

Wicksteed Park's Santa Paws in the Park 2024!

What You Need To Know For Santa Paws in the Park 2024!

It's almost time for Wicksteed Park's first ever Santa Paws in the Park and we can't wait to welcome all of you and your dogs! Ahead of your visit, please take the time to read all of the information below to make sure you are prepared for Santa Paws!

Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child and nieces and nephews."

Emma

"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."

India

"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"

Claire

"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."

Shelley

"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."

Robert

"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."

Lucy

"Treated my nieces to a day at Wicksteed Park during Easter. They had an amazing day from start to finish, when buying our tickets, we were informed of the rides that were closed, we went on all the rides that were open, multiple times, hardly any queuing. For lunch we stopped for food at Lighthouse Bites, the food was cooked fresh and my nieces really enjoyed it. When the park finally closed, the girls were so disappointed their day had come to an end, we decided to spend some time in the free play park, the park was busy with happy children, lots of climbing frames and different play equipment to try. All in all, my nieces had the best day and we are planning on coming back in the summer!"