Please help me if you can to raise funds for the women's refuge in Barnsley for this Christmas. There are currently 8 women and 10 children residing in the refuge and it is my hope that together we can raise enough funds to ensure that everyone receives a Christmas gift /toy or two as well as essentials such as hat & glove sets and PJS for the children.

Christmas can be a magical time but for many, it is incredibly difficult and upsetting. All the women and children in the refuge have had to leave their homes due to domestic violence and are now desperately trying to rebuild their lives so they can be happier and at peace. Many will have suffered tremendously before arriving and all will be struggling in a variety of ways.

This Christmas collection isn't just about ensuring they have something to open on the big day. It's also - and more importantly - about showing them the kindness that sadly has been absent in their lives for so long.

Since 2017, I have organised a Christmas collection for the women's refuge in Barnsley, collecting Christmas gifts, party food and decorations as well as essential items and thanks to the wonderful support of so many people (from across the UK) it's always been a huge success.

But this year due to Covid 19, I'm unable to collect as I would do normally and so instead, I'm asking for help to raise funds instead.

Every single penny that is donated will go direct to the refuge and be spent by the team to ensure that your Christmas generosity reaches every woman and child currently living there as well as some women and children who have recently moved into their own homes.

I know financially that times are tough for so many this year, but if you can help by donating (even a pound) I can promise you that your kindness and money really will make a difference.

I know from my experience of doing this for the past 4 years that it really does have such a positive impact. The kindness shown in the past has often moved myself and members of the refuge team to tears. Here's hoping it will do the same this year, albeit in a different way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for caring.

Here's wishing you a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Katie Portman