To showcase the incredible generosity of compassionate individuals and businesses, the Burnley Express shared a daily act of kindness from December 1st to Christmas Eve.
Keep scrolling to see them all: –
13. Day 13
Kind-hearted workers at Burnley’s Business First have donated over 100 toys, gifts and treats to the Burnley Together Christmas Present Appeal. And Father Christmas himself was on hand to collect the gifts from the business centre in Liverpool Road, along with Tracey McGrail, a festive volunteer who is helping to pick up all the donated presents. The annual appeal, which has been supported by the Burnley Express since it was launched by the Salvation Army 29 years ago, to make sure that families struggling have presents for their children to open on Christmas morning. The appeal has now closed for 2024 and all the gifts will be counted and sorted by a team of elves before they are distributed to families across the borough in time for Christmas Eve. Photo: NA
14. Day 14
Emergency service workers received a very special festive treat from caring Burnley schoolboy Oakley Jarrold. The 10-year-old used his own spends to buy coffee, mince pies, biscuits and other sweet treats to drop off at the police station in Parker Lane and the fire station in Ormerod Road. Oakley was helped by big sister Mia (11) and their mum Natasha, who said: “Oakley asked me if he could take some gifts to the police and fire service to thank them for their hard work all year round so we decided to get them some lovely goodies.” Photo: NA
15. Day 15
Children facing the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital are to receive a visit from this very special little girl. Nevaeh-Leigh Procter has been collecting donations of gifts, books, crafts and selection boxes to take to the patients in ward 86 at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. The four-year-old spent time on the ward last year after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Nevaeh, of Brierfield, will dress as Mrs Clause to deliver the gifts with her proud mum Zoe. Nevaeh has continued with her treatment and she has daily oral chemotherapy at home. She also has hospital visits every month for a blood count and consultant check up and every 12 weeks she has spinal chemotherapy and a lumber puncture. To read more about this brave little girl see the story in the comments below Photo: NA
16. Day 16
You may have spotted Pudsey Bear wandering around Burnley town centre recently. Well, it was in fact, Royal Mail postman Mick Heavican doing his bit to raise money for Children In Need. This is the fourth year Mick has donned the cute bear suit with his collection bucket while on his regular round. And this year he hopes to have raised more than £900. A postie for an incredible 43 years, Mick said: “Everyone has been so generous. I just wanted to spread a bit of happiness and positivity. Pudsey always gets a warm reception, especially from the children who always want to have their picture taken with him.” And here Mick is pictured with Charlotte Forrester of Charlatte’s Cafe. Charlotte said: “Mick is just a really nice guy who brings our post. He is really friendly and always has a chat with the customers.” Photo: Na