Kindhearted woman starts gifts appeal for Tuxford care home

Rachael Bown, 29, wants donations of presents ‘however small’ to spread festive cheer for the home’s 50 residents - some of whom have no family.

Tuxford woman Rachael told how the town had already ‘gone crazy’ for the appeal and donations were coming in thick and fast.

She hopes to fill 50 gift bags with small tokens such as a card, chocolates and biscuits.

“For people who have very limited contact with the outside world this could make a massive difference,” said Rachel.

“We’ve already had some nice donations - someone made some lovely lap blankets.”

Health and safety manager Rachael described how staff at the home were trying to make a ‘good situation’ out of a bad one.

To allow face-to-face visits for those who have family an outdoor visitor pod has been installed.

And although virus restrictions do not allow a Christmas tree inside the home one donated by Rachael’s employer B&B Industrial Dismantling has already been delivered.

Anyone wanting to donate a gift can leave it at the Manor reception or at Euphoria Beauty in Tuxford.

Bev Cooper, manager at Tuxford Manor, said: “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone - no more so than the residents at Tuxford Manor.

“They haven’t been able to see their loved ones for so long and staff here have become everything.”

“With the donations from adopt a golden oldie Christmas won’t be as bad as we originally predicted.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.