Shoebox Fairies will spread their wings to help more people in Wigan

Neonatal nurse Claire Hayward and Dr Emma Thornton, who both work at Wigan Infirmary, set up the Shoebox Fairies to support Manchester Street Angels’ Christmas box campaign.

They were overwhelmed with the response, collecting nearly 300 shoeboxes filled with gifts for children, the elderly and homeless people.

Emma said: “We were so inspired that we decided to establish the Shoebox Fairies as a charity and we are now registered with the Charities Commission.

“Our aim is to be able to provide shoeboxes throughout the year to vulnerable groups in difficult financial and social circumstances, starting this project with mother and baby boxes for new mums and newborns in need across the Wigan area.”

Their inspiration came from the women they see at the hospital’s maternity department.

Emma said: “The idea is to have a mother and baby box for mums who may be having a tough time, so they have access to it on the unit.”

Items in the boxes could include baby products and hygiene products for the mother.

There are plans to have different kinds of boxes in future, for example birthday boxes for vulnerable children.

And the pair are keen to repeat their Christmas appeal next year, with plans to develop relationships with nurseries, schools, colleges and universities to make it even bigger.

Emma and Claire are in the process of setting up their project and applying for grants, but also hope to secure sponsorship and support from local businesses.

Donations will go towards supplementary items for boxes and distribution costs, while they hope businesses could provide items to help fill the boxes. In the New Year, they hope to begin recruiting volunteers to get involved with fund-raising, distribution and other tasks.

To find out more about the initiative and how to get invovled, go to www.theshoeboxfairies.com or email [email protected].

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