17/12/2025
CHRISTMAS 2025 - SPECIAL CASES
Last Christmas, in conjunction with our kind strangers we took on 23 Special Cases in respect of 70 children (inclusive of 38 children with a parent in prison), including paying for the entire Santa lists of children and providing their immediate family with a Christmas Food Hamper - £80.00 Christmas Hamper for small family and £120.00 Christmas Hamper for larger family.
We support Special Cases in conjunction with private donors. Private donors are people who want to support children who have had it tough and children and families who have experienced significant trauma.
Private donors are normal, everyday people who have taken children in kinship care, children in foster care and children who have experienced a significant level of trauma to their hearts.
Christmas 2025 is no different. This Christmas we hope to take on 25 Special Cases in respect of 40 exceptional children.
We have now taken on 25 Special Cases in respect of 62 children and young people. This Special Case is as follows:-
Case 1 – Two little boys age 8 and 10 who have been in and out of foster care since they were very small children. Boys are now back living together with their maternal grandparents and are starting to settle. Boys have experienced significant trauma and loss, despite which they present as pleasant, well mannered and loveable youngsters. Boys have asked Santa for a PlayStation 5 with two controllers for them to share, 2 games each (football, racing) and a football. Children have also asked for Lego and (football boots and socks – 10 year old, only) – DONOR PLAYSTATION AND DONOR OTHER ITEMS -CASE SORTED.
Case 2 – Three little girls, age 5, 6 and 8 who were removed from their parental home with only the clothes on their backs. Children have been through a lot, but are safe and starting to settle. One child has asked Santa for a weighted reborn baby doll, Android tablet with protective kids cover and surprises. One child has asked Santa for a weighted reborn baby doll, wheelies size 1.5/2, cream doll pram and surprises, and one child has asked for a 20 inch BMX bicycle and surprises. Children would benefit significantly from new clothing given that all their personal belongings have been left behind (please contact for clothing and footwear sizes). Family would also benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack and the youngsters would benefit from Christmas Eve Boxes and little surprises as this Christmas will be the first Christmas away from their family home. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 3 – Young girl aged 17 with a baby who we have supported for a number of years. This young girl has experienced a significant amount of trauma which no one should have to go through. She is a credit to herself and is a brilliant mum. This young girl has returned to further education and is getting on the very best. Mum would benefit from a few treats, including vouchers for clothing, make-up and other girlie things and baby would benefit from one of two Christmas gifts to mark the special day. Granny who is providing support to her granddaughter would benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 4 – 3 small children (who will not have their dad this Christmas to share in their special day). Children have asked for a Playstation 5 to share and surprises. This will be a difficult Christmas for the children. Family would also benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PALCE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 5 – 3 children (boys aged 11 and 16 and girl age 15) who were recently removed from their parental home due to alcohol and drug misuse. Children are now in the care of their maternal aunt and are getting on relatively OK. One child has asked for a games console, one child has asked for a phone and we are waiting for list of oldest boy. Children would benefit from any opportunities which will allow them to spend special time together and build a trusting relationship with their aunt. Aunt would benefit from Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 6 – 2 children (boy age 9 and girl age 14) who are living in a situation of severe poverty. Children are known to social services and have experienced considerable loss at a very early stage in their lives. Eldest child has asked for an Electric Scooter (will also require helmet and other safety items and one child is looking for games console). These children deserve the best Christmas ever and we would like to take the pressure off their wider family in the run up to Christmas. Family would benefit from Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – TO FOLLOW UP – CASE SORTED.
Case 7 – 2 very small youngsters age 12 months and 30 months old. Both youngsters were removed from their parents shortly after they were born. Children are thriving in the care of their grandmother, but life is hard at times and granny feels a deep sense of sadness regarding the complexity of her family situation. These youngsters barely know who Santa is but given the difficulties they have experienced we want to do whatever we can to spoil these children this Christmas. Children like ‘skuttlebugs’ so a set of scooters for both children might work as well as surprises. Granny would benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack as well as a little treat such as reflexology, hair appointment, nails, etc. (CHRISTMAS HAMPER AND HAIRDRESSING VOUCHER FOR GRANNY VIA LOCAL GIVING LINK). DONOR PURCHASING SKUTTLEBUGS, DONOR PURCHASING SURPRISES FOR CHILDREN – CASE SORTED.
Case 8 – An exceptional young mum who has recently been diagnosed with a life limiting condition. Mum has 3 children under the age of 12, including a one little girl who has spent the majority of her young life in hospital. We do not have the Santa lists of the children and are waiting for mum to advise what level and type of support the children would benefit from this Christmas. Mum would benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack as well as a day out or activity which enables mum to make memories with her small children (KAYLEIGH TO CONTACT FAMILY REGARDING CHRISTMAS LIST FOR CHILDREN, IF FAMILY WISHES SUPPORT THEY WILL MAKE CONTACT.
Case 9 – 4 year old boy and mum subjected to domestic violence. Police involved in case and mum is especially in a bad place at the moment. Child is safe and we would like to take on mum and child and take the pressure off them this Christmas. Child has asked Santa for a Frozen Elsa Dressing Gown (6 years because she is tall), K-Pop Hunter Dolls, doll and pram and lots of surprises. This is a sad case, and this youngster and his mum deserve to be spoilt rotten this Christmas. Mum would benefit from vouchers for treats for herself to improve her confidence as well as a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 10 – 3 children (boy age 13, boy age 10 and girl age 4). These children have been through a lot. Dad is in prison and mum is deceased. Children are settled and doing incredibly well. Despite everything these children have been through, including the loss of both their parents, they share a very close bond and are looking forward to Christmas. Boy age 13 has asked for a voucher for clothing (Sports Direct or Victoria Square) and trainers, Boy age 10 has asked for a Mountain Bike, dressing up outfits (fireman, Police, Doctor (any of these), trainers size 4, Manchester United Football Kit (11 years old), Hemet and clothing voucher. Girl age 4 has asked Santa for an IPad and cover, clothing voucher, trainers size 9, reborn doll, dolls clothes, dressing up outfits size 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 and a scooter. Family would benefit from Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONATION OF MONEY FOR HAMPER AND MEAT PACK. DONOR IN PLACE – CASE SORTED.
Case 11 – 2 children (girl age 13 and boy age 11) in the care of their maternal grandmother. Both children are doing well but money is scarce and life is hard. Girl has asked for trainers (size 5, tracksuit top size age 11-12 years and track suit bottoms age11-12 years and surprises. Boy has asked for boxing gloves, full body resistance bands, boxing head gear, Minecraft game, nun chucks and a PS5 controller. Family would also benefit from Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING - CASE SORTED.
Case 12 – 12 year old remarkable little boy who has been living with his great grandmother on and off for much of his young life. Young boy presents as a lonely, nervous youngster who has special needs. This little boy has few friends and does not mix well. He does, however, attend dance and drama – and when dancing and acting he becomes a completely different youngster – presenting as confident, fun loving and articulate. Life at home is hard as granny not only cares for this young boy, but she is also a carer for her elderly mother. Youngster has asked for an IPAD and to travel to London to see a Westend Show – Harry Potter, the Cursed Child with his granny and granddad. Boy would also benefit from a donor picking up the cost of 3 months of dance and acting classes at £96 per month as this would help granny financially. This child is likely to be expensive (and might require several donors to work together) given the cost of a Westend show, flights, overnight hotel accommodation, transfers and a few pounds spending money, but this is an incredible little boy who is fighting hard to communicate how he is feeling and to overcome the loss he has experienced. Family would also benefit from Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack. DONOR IN PLACE TO FUND ENTIRE LONDON TRIP, INCLUDING FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TICKET TO WEST END SHOW, 2 DONORS PURCHASING £150.00 EACH FOR DRAMA LESSONS (TO PAY DIRECT TO DRAMA CLUB UPON RECEIPT OF INVOICE) AND DONOR IN PLACE FOR IPAD AND COVER – CASE SORTED.
Case 13 – boy (CONFIRM AGE) both parents deceased – AWAIT INSTRUCTION.
Case 14 – 12 year old girl who is in the care of her extended family. This young girl is well mannered, polite and full of energy. This child lives with a deep sense of sadness and guilt due to her mum no longer wanting her. This has resulted in this youngster having little to no confidence and poor self-esteem. We want to show this young girl that she is very much wanted and loved. Child has asked for a Nintendo Switch for Christmas and new clothes (age 12-13), footwear (size 2). This youngster loves, loves, loves colouring in, reading, arts and crafts and school work (anything 8-10 years in school work, ie workbooks for learning). DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 15 – 2 sisters age 13 and 9 who have been cared for on and off by their godparents. Children who come from a background of neglect and parental mental health and substance misuse are now living full time with their godparents and loving every minute of it. Children are doing relatively OK and looking forward to Christmas but will not have any contact with their mum or dad over the festive period. Child aged 13 wants a bike (and helmet) and anything beauty related – face packs, creams, perfume, nail polish and other girlie surprises. Child age 9 also wants a bike (and helmet), lego (child attends a Lego Club), arts and crafts and surprises. We want these children to feel like children at Christmas and for them to enjoy the magic of Santa and a stable home environment. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 16 – 18 year old young man who recently left care. Young man has a mild to moderate learning difficulty who has had to adjust to a lot of change over the last 12-18 months. Young man enjoys going to the gym and takes pride in his appearance. He also enjoys gaming and puzzles as well as going to the cinema. This young man spends his day hiding away because she finds it hard to mix. Vouchers for the cinema, bowling alley, gaming venues – anything to get him up and out and meeting other young people would be beneficial. Young man will spend Christmas with his granny who is living in a situation of severe poverty. A Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack for granny would take the pressure off this Christmas. DONOR IN PLACE FOR YOUNG PERSON (DONATION OF £200.00 – TO PURCHASE SPORTS VOUCHERS, DONOR RONAN KELLY PURCHASED VIA LOCAL GIVING, LUKE DARTS, AFTERSHAVE, WAER BOTTLE AND HEADPHONES – CASE SORTED.
Case 17 – 17 year old young girl who is homeless and living in temporary accommodation. Young lady has a background of being in care and has little in the way of family support. This is the first Christmas this young girl will spend on her own and it is important that she feels safe, special and happy. Vouchers for clothing, treats, hot chocolate, evening out to cinema, bowling alley etc would go a long way to reducing the isolation this young girl may experience over the festive period. A food shop (not necessarily Christmas related) and a top up of electricity would be beneficial as money extremely tight (DONATION OF £200.00) DONOR NEEDED TO SUPPORT YOUNG GIRL.
Case 18 – 4 year old little boy who will spend this Christmas Day with his mum for the very first time. Mum and her little boy will have dinner with another relative, before mum will have the rest of day with her son with support onsite if it is needed. This little boy is excited for Santa coming and has asked for everything he sees on the TV. Child, however, would be happy with anything, although he does like tractors, diggers, dinosaurs and farm animals. Boy would especially benefit from anything which would help with his speech (such as phonics toys, Toni set/figures, etc). This is such a big milestone for mum who will, for the first time have unsupervised family time with her little boy. If this goes right this will set mum up for additional family time with her boy who she desperately wants to come home. Mum would benefit from a Christmas Hamper (treats for her and youngster, does not need food). DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 19 – 3.5 year old boy who was removed from mum due to alcohol and drug misuse and placed in the care of another family member who didn’t want him because he presented with challenging behaviours. Little boy is on the Child Protection Register, but is very much loved by everyone he comes into contact with. He is a beautiful little boy who takes everything in his stride. This youngster met Santa in a shopping centre and said he wanted a remote control car and a dinosaur that roars. His carer would also benefit from a Christmas Hamper to help her meet the cost of Christmas. (DONOR CLOTHING FOR CHILD. DONOR IN PLACE FOR SANTA LIST – CASE SORTED.
Case 20 – Two beautiful little girls age 6 and 8. Children have been to hell and back over the past year. Youngsters are grieving for their mum who no longer wants to look after them. This is going to be a hard Christmas for these youngsters. These children do not trust easily and think Santa will forget about them on Christmas Eve. Children would love a bike each (and helmet) and a Nintendo Switch each for Christmas. Children would benefit from matching PJ’s and little girlie things they can do together along with their foster carer on Christmas Eve. DONOR IN PLACE FOR NINTENDO DS AND GAMES (1 CHILD) AND DONOR IN PLACE FOR EVERYTHING ELSE – CASE SORTED.
Case 21 – 38 year old woman who has been in and out of psychiatric hospital for most of her life. Lady has a background of being in care as a young girl. She spent months in and out of jail for being drunk and disorderly in her early 20s and then spent time homeless and sleeping rough in the South. Lady has returned home to Northern Ireland and has been sober for 11 months. She is attending all appointments and has taken up a role with a voluntary sector organisation one day a week. This lady is living in self contained temporary accommodation awaiting a home of her own. 11 months ago this lady was given less than 6 months to live. This will be the first Christmas this lady will be sober and we want to help her make the most of the day. Lady would benefit from a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack, essential items such as PJ’s (size 10-12, footwear size 6) as well as nice toiletries and Christmas decorations (she has a Christmas Tree) – DONOR IN CONTACT REGARDING THIS LADY – WOULD BENEFIT FROM SECOND DONOR TO PROVIDE LADY WITH TREATS, CLOTHING.
Case 22 – Little girl who is due to be freed for adoption within the next few months. Child will have contact with mum before Christmas. Child would benefit from a gift from mum which she can remember. A new tablet (pink or purple) with hard case would be an ideal gift for mum to give to her youngster this Christmas. DONOR IN PLACE – TABLET PURCHASED AND LEFT WITH MUM WITH OTHER ITEMS – CASE SORTED.
Case 23 – 21 youngsters (babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 10 years.
Case 23A - Boy, age 4 years and Boy age 1.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23B - Girl, age 3.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23C - Boy, age 2.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23D - Boy, age 1 year and Girl, age 2.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23E - Boy, age 1 year and Boy age 3.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23F - Boy, age 3 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23G - Boy, age 1 year – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23H - Boy, age 6 months, Girl age 6 years and Girl age 10 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23I - Girl, age 6 months – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23J - Boy, age 1 year – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23K - Girl, age 2.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23L - Boy, age 1 year – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23M - Girl, age 3.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23N - Boy, age 1 year – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23O - Girl, age 6 months – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 23P - Boy, age 2.5 years – DONOR IN PLACE.
Case 24 – 3 year old little girl living at home with mum. Mum and child are living in a home with no heating and no food. Mum and child are relying on the support of food banks and the kindness of neighbours. When asked about Christmas, mum responded to say that she doesn’t care about Christmas. Mum would benefits from a very big Christmas Hamper with 7-10 days food for herself and her little girl as well as a Meat Voucher for Christmas. Little girl is struggling with everything going on around her and is not at all interested in Santa. This little girl needs Santa and she needs to know that her mum and her are going to be OK. We have no Christmas list as yet for the child but this youngster is not going to cost a lot. We have purchased £500 litres of oil and provided mum with electricity top-ups as well as a £200.00 food shop. Child is now in a warm home. Now we want to focus on all things Santa and spoil this little girl. DONOR IN PLACE – EVERYTHING – CASE SORTED.
Case 25 – 14 year old girl and 16 year old girl. Siblings face an uncertain Christmas following news that mum’s cancer has spread. Mum is undergoing intensive treatment and children are worried about what the future will hold. Mum would benefit from treats, a Christmas Hamper and Meat Pack and girls would benefit from PJ’s, vouchers for clothing, makeup, etc and a voucher for a day out as a family over the festive period.
As at 17/12/2025
If you would like to support one of our Special Cases this Christmas please PM or contact Jacqueline on 07515478885 or email [email protected]
