Burgess Hill mum battles adversity to hold Christmas party for underprivileged families

Petrina Wickens’ husband, Andy, was attacked in January by someone who was ‘drunk and high on drugs’.

“It was outside his own house, he was cut by a punch to the head and had five stitches, and he fell to the ground and smacked his head,” Petrina explained.

“He can’t remember anybody, not even his own daughters or his ex-wife, it’s been horrible.”

Petrina is organising a Christmas party at Hassocks Hotel on Sunday December 21 for underprivileged families as she knows how difficult the Christmas period can be.

Years ago she found herself alone, a single parent with a one-month-old baby and a four-year-old.

But she was fortunate in that others helped her out when she was struggling, and now she wants to do the same.

“Kids go into school and other children say I got an X-Box, I got this, I got that.

“A lot of children don’t get any presents, they or their parents may be ill or disabled.”

Last year Petrina’s project wrapped 200 presents and held a party, which the children ‘absolutely loved’.

They are hoping for even more families to attend this year, and have been fundraising with sweet and cake sales.

Volunteers Hannah and Kitty have dressed as mascots at fundraising events and helped bake hundreds of cupcakes.

“A lot of people have been referred by a friend, people are too embarrassed so someone tells us ‘my friend needs help’, and you don’t have to be on any benefits to come,” Petrina explained.

“I want children to look back at Christmas with a smile on their face.

“When I ask my kids what they remember they say the party.

“It makes all the difference.”

In addition to the Christmas party, Petrina supports the food bank, an organisation which helps out families who cannot afford to buy food.

Her selfless good work comes despite a difficult couple of years for Petrina’s own family.

Since the attack on Andy, they have had to apply for benefits, her three-year-old son is being assessed for autism and she had open heart surgery last year.

To help ensure the party is a success, she is encouraging people to donate new or used toys for children aged up to 16 to give out at the event.

She continued: “With all of this we have money worries on top of it.

“We know how hard a time people can have at Christmas, it’s a tough time of year.

“So many of us hardly feel flush these days but please buy a extra gift this year and help children in your town have a great Christmas.”

The Christmas party will include a Punch and Judy show, entertainment from Mascots Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Christmas dinner and Santa will be on hand to give out presents.

Toys can be dropped off to 197 Maple Drive, Burgess Hill or 3 friars close, Hassocks until December 15.

To donate or find out more about this year’s event call Petrina on 01444 236704

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