Young boy from Cornwall who's spent Christmas in hospital donates £500 of toys to Mission Christmas

Seven-year-old James from Truro has donated as part of our Toy Appeal

James in hospital on Christmas Day
Author: Megan PricePublished 14th Dec 2022

A seven-year-old boy from Cornwall - who was diagnosed with leukaemia aged just one - has donated £500 worth of gifts to our Mission Christmas Toy Appeal,

James, from Truro, has experienced multiple Christmas Days in hospital following four years of chemotherapy treatment.

It meant some years, he spent some of the holidays unwrapping gifts and eating Christmas meals from a hospital bed.

James unwrapping Christmas presents in hospital

His Mum, Hannah, said: "Fortunately, James finished his chemotherapy in 2020 and is really wanting to do something to help people that aren’t in our position.

"We know how hard it can be"

Mission Christmas is our annual appeal to make sure children from disadvantaged backgrounds don't miss out on a gift under the tree.

Hannah added: "It just helps to bring a little bit of joy at what can be a really difficult time. It wasn't an easy time for us when James was in hospital. We don't want anyone to miss out on anything - Christmas isn't easy for so so many people so if donating a few toys, we can bring a few smile to people's faces then it's worth it".

James, who is now seven years old, told us: "If kids don't wake up with nothing on Christmas Day, they'll still get a present. Babies, older kids, and girls toys, to the people who won't get anything for Christmas".

They donated £500 worth of Christmas presents to Mallets in Truro - which will be distributed to charities and children across the county.

"Christmas isn't easy for so many people"

James with bags of Christmas toy donations in Truro

James added: "It'll be very good if we could get them some stuff.

"The kids that don't get anything, if they don't have a Christmas tree, they could get something from Santa still".

What is Mission Christmas?

Mission for Christmas hopes to help Santa reach children living in poverty and help every child have something to open on Christmas Day.

We're trying to make sure no child misses out on a gift under the tree as part of our annual appeal.

People can donate new and unwrapped gifts to one of our drop-off points, donate cash or gifts online or sign up and get involved with some fundraising.

You can find more information about our Toy Appeal here.

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