Darcey’s Christmas Present Appeal
2206. Darcey Strutt
Darcey Strutt, aged 10, from Essex, has run her Christmas Appeal since she was 4 years old after wanting to help those less fortunate than herself at Christmas.
In 2018, Darcey was attending a local carnival where money was being collected for charity. This inspired Darcey to help others who may be less fortunate, particularly at Christmas time, and prompted her to start her Christmas appeal. Darcey’s appeal is aimed at young people from babies up to 16 years and invites donations for presents such as toys, games and gift vouchers.
Darcey has since collected hundreds of Christmas presents and donates them to a range of charities, including ‘Kool Carers’ and ‘Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity’. Darcey’s appeal has grown year on year, and she plans for this year’s appeal to be her biggest to date.
In a personal letter to Darcey, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“It is amazing that you have run your appeal every year since you were just four years old!
“You have collected and donated hundreds of gifts, supporting brilliant charities like the Salvation Army and the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
“Your kindness towards others shows the true spirit of Christmas.”
Congratulating Darcey on her award, Sir John Whittingdale, Darcey’s local MP for Maldon, said:
“I warmly congratulate Darcey on her reward which is hugely deserved recognition of her fantastic efforts to raise money for children’s charities. I hope that the award will be an early Christmas present for her and I look forward to presenting her with her certificate soon.”
Darcey said:
“When I found out that I had been chosen for this award it took me a minute or two to process, as I was so shocked. I am excited to meet the Prime Minister in person and visit the No10 Downing Street Festive Fair and see the beautiful Christmas light switch on.”
Darcey’s mother, Jade, said:
“I cannot put into words how proud we are of Darcey and what she has and continues to achieve every year. When the email came through inviting Darcey to visit the Christmas Festive Fair and receive an award from the Prime Minister I was overjoyed. I found it hard to hold it together especially as I had to wait a few hours until Darcey finished school to be able to tell her the amazing news!”
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