Hundreds of selection boxes donated to ill children for the festive season

Debbie Vaughan, of Connah's Quay, said her son Harry is in and out of Alder Hey Hospital due to his muscular dystrophy condition.

Last year, ten days before Christmas he was taken into hospital after falling ill and this year they wanted to give something back to those who are suffering during the festive period.

Debbie told the Leader: "On his way to his appointment he turned around to me and asked shall we do something and I said yes why don't we see if family and friends will donate some selection boxes.

"The response we had was phenomenal. We didn't expect to get a response that big.

"The whole community came together, friends and family in Connah's Quay and outside the town as well.

"We spend so much time there. Harry has had two stays in intensive care and because of his condition he is in and out of hospital and has at least three general appointments a year. He also has to get spinal rods removed.

"I just think they do so much for us and so much for other families. We know what it's like spending time on a ward in the run up to Christmas and you don't feel the Christmas Spirit.

"It's quite deflating being on the wards and we just thought it would be a nice thing to put a smile on their faces."

Around 465 selection boxes were donated in total.

Debbie added: "We also asked if siblings could have a selection box as well.

"I'd like to send our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has donated. If it wasn't for those people we wouldn't have been able to do what we did.

"I just think it was absolutely wonderful how many people came forward to donate for the children because at the end of the day it is about them."

Collette Gray, who works at Connah's Quay High School which Harry attends, said she wanted to get the staff involved after hearing about what they were doing.

She said: "I put an email out to my work colleagues at Connah's Quay High School, I only expected a few but the staff donated an amazing 132 selection boxes."