Mother Christmas thanks supporters as she rounds off busy year bringing cheer to families

It’s been a busy year for Mother Christmas Jeanette Walsh as she takes a brief break from helping thousands of children across Northamptonshire.

Over the past year, she has dedicated countless hours to helping the most disadvantaged children thanks to the generosity of county residents.

As well as selflessly organising collections of Easter eggs and Christmas gifts, she has helped provide takeaways and meals out for families.

Gran-of-one Jeanette is spending a quiet Christmas at her home in Northampton with husband John and their family.

Jeanette said: "Happy Christmas and a very big and sincere thank you to all my helpers based in and around Northamptonshire.

"Your gifts of presents, time, practical assistance and financial support will have made Christmas extra special for those who need a boost.”

She added: “This year has been absolutely fantastic. I didn’t think we’d get so many gifts but it really has been the best ever.”

Gifts including teddies, toiletries, vouchers, food hampers and toys have been added to monetary donations to help disadvantaged families and teenagers.

As well as the annual toy appeal, Jeanette has arranged regular meals for people with the help of Corby Prezzo and county branches of Nando’s.

Simon Brunskill, manager of Corby Prezzo, has been donating two meals a week to families thanks to Jeanette’s scheme.

He said: “Corby is a really great community and as a business I feel I should support the community. I’m a foster parent and I know that going out for a meal can make the difference.”

Jeanette said: “It makes a massive difference and takes the pressure off the families – the children deserve a treat.”

Next year will mark Jeanette’s 21st year as Mother Christmas and she has promised to carry on her charity work.

Her Just Giving site can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mother-christmas.

She added: “Thank you so much to everyone for their support. Happy Christmas, and here’s to 2023!”

Jeanette’s role of honour:

North Northants Council

Friends of Earls Barton

Misco Technologies, Wellingborough

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

HSBC Rushden Branch

Bridgewater Primary School

Ann Eldred

Rothwell Methodist Church

Northampton Saints Rugby

Fundraising event OAS

Stanwick Church

Simply Gym Kettering

Barclaycard

IPSL

Nationwide

Howes Percival

Nando’s

Clipper

Jessica Cooke

Hope Methodist Church

University of Northampton

Broadmead Church

Graham and Jane Fletcher

Martin Buckby

Dynamic Solutions

Shoosmiths

Lou Metson, Northants Police

Linda Vials

Parklands Primary

Cheryl Short

Tosh

Fortus

Morrisons

Claire, Three Shires Heath

Just Giving donors

Faraway Charity

Aston Martin F1 Team

Meg

Christine Stockwell at Three Shires

Waitrose

ShireFit

Bikers

Wellingborough Museum

Wicksteed Park staff