'I never had a present until I was six' says Mother Christmas as she launches annual toy and gift appeal

For the past two decades, Jeanette, as Mother Christmas has been delivering joy to Northamptonshire’s most disadvantaged children.

It’s become a personal crusade for her – during her deprived early years, she and her siblings experiences living in a squalid cramped home.

Not only did they receive no birthday or Christmas presents, Jeanette and her brothers and sisters hardly ate and lived without heating or lighting.

She said: “The first time I got a Christmas present was when I was six-years-old. Before that I didn’t have any.

"I grew up in a children’s home and I know the joy of having a brand new present to open on Christmas Day. The appeal is all about those children who are living through really tough times. They really have nothing – not through any fault. These children wouldn't have anything unless it was donated.”

Her campaign, supported by this paper, has made a difference for more than two decades, with Jeanette at the helm.

Although being seriously ill over the summer with sepsis, Mother Christmas has fought back to fitness for the children in need.

Once again she is asking for your help with our annual Christmas gift appeal by donating presents to be passed on to the 6,000 needy children and young people in the county.

With help from generous readers, thousands of gifts were donated at drop-off points across the county in 2024 and distributed by Jeanette to help disadvantaged children have a better Christmas.

Editorial director David Summers said: "Today Northamptonshire Newspapers – the Northants Telegraph, Northampton Chronicle and Echo and Daventry Express – launches its Christmas appeal.

"Last year you supported us with your generous donations that helped disadvantaged children have a better Christmas. So once again we've teamed up with Mother Christmas Jeanette Walsh.

"There are still hundreds of disadvantaged children who deserve to wake on Christmas morning with a smile on their face - and you, our readers, can still help to make that happen."

Gifts are needed for children of all ages but especially teenagers – with pyjamas, toiletries and vouchers a favourite.

Once again, Jeanette will be helped by the kind-hearted staff of Northamptonshire’s Nando's, Wellingborough Museum, North Northants Council and Wicksteed Park.

Gifts will be collected by Mother Christmas and distributed to the social work teams looking after children across the county.

Jeanette added: “I will not let these children down. Times are tough, but I know these donations make a real difference.

"The gifts you give will go to children and young people in the county – local for local.

“Let's give the children something to smile about and make it a really happy Christmas.”

Where to donate during regular opening hours:

North Northants Council offices in Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough

Wicksteed Park Kettering, reception Barton Road, NN15 6NJ

Nando's Carina Road, Kettering NN15 6YA

Nando's Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre NN10 6FT

Nando's Wood Hill, Northampton town centre NN1 2DA

Wellingborough Museum, Castle Way, Wellingborough NN8 1XB

Hays Travel ASDA Superstore, Northfield Ave, Kettering NN16 9HU

Aspire travel agents, 49-51 High Street, Thrapston