Christmas Toy Giver
1823. Esmee Allured
Esmee Allured, aged 7, from Redditch, has collected hundreds of toys to give out to local children who might otherwise not have presents at Christmas.
Esmee, inspired to share acts of kindness around Christmas to help return the kindness she has received during multiple stays in hospital, has also sold £150 of her own toys and given the money to a local charity to buy meals for people in need at Christmas.
In a personal letter to Esmee, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was amazed to hear about the hundreds of toys you have donated to children in need this Christmas.
“The funds you have raised from selling your own toys to buy meals for people less fortunate than you is also a wonderful gesture. It is the true spirit of Christmas!”
Rachel MacLean, Esmee’s local MP for Redditch, said:
“After Esmee’s mum wrote to me about her daughter’s acts of kindness, I knew Esmee needed to be recognised for all that she has done to help those less fortunate than her.
“I am thrilled she has received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award – making her the first ever recipient from Redditch.
“Rightly, Esmee’s mum is incredibly proud of her daughter, but everyone in Redditch should be proud of her too.”
Amy Killick, Esmee’s mother, said:
“I am so immensely proud of my daughter Esmee. She has faced so many of her own battles during her life including multiple operations and hospital admissions. Despite this she has gone above and beyond to think of others in a less fortunate situation than her. She makes me proud every single day.”