Mum’s toy appeal willhelp families in need

Confronting a major health scare has prompted a Burgess Hill mum, who knows how tough spending Christmas as a single parent can be, into organising a big party for disadvantaged children.
Christmas PartyChristmas Party
Christmas Party

All Petrina Wickens needs are the toys and helpers to make her party a big success.

Petrina, who suffers from congenital heart problems, hit on the idea of holding the Christmas party in Hurstpierpoint this December because years before, she had been abandoned by her husband and left to bring up a baby and a four-year-old alone.

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Petrina, from Maple Drive, recalled: “I was living in Hassocks at the time and a social worker in the area used to organise Christmas parties for mums coping on their own on a tight budget.

“It was just a simple party but I remember what it meant - it gave children the chance to look back and remember their childhood in a nice way.”

Petrina’s children are teenagers now and she is living in happier circumstances with a new partner and a two-year-old, but she has never forgotten the kind actions of the social worker.

Petrina had been thinking for some time about organising a party to bring joy to other disadvantaged families but it took a major operation earlier this year to galvanise her into action.

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She said: “My pulmonary valve needed replacing and going through open-heart-surgery in January made me appreciate how precious life is.”

The party will be held at Hurstpierpoint village hall between 4pm and 6pm on December 21. Danielle Carter, whose mother is a foster carer, is helping Petrina with the arrangements but more help is urgently needed.

Petrina said: “We have a few toys donated from people and shops but we need more. We also need people to come forward if they would like to come to the party.

“If anyone can give any sort of help it would be much appreciated from party food, toys or an entertainer for 20 minutes for free.

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“We are also doing a few Christmas Day hampers for a few mums who cannot afford to do Christmas Day lunch.”

The party will be free but by invite only. People can nominate themselves by going onto the website: www.christmas-wishes.co.uk

If you would like further information or can help, please call Petrina on: 01444-236704.