Here at Maddie and Marks, we love a bit of christmas spirit - and as a childrens shoe shop, we are lucky to always have a bit of magic kicking around our shopfloor. We also know that christmas can be a hard time for many. I lost my mum to a brain tumour in my late teens, and as a family spent one christmas in hospital with her. Something that always stuck with me was how, even in the saddest times, there are people that can always muster some Christmas cheer, spreading smiles and kindness.

We came across FACE, a cancer fund established in 1990 and is based at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre of the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, last christmas. They raise funds to provide the “little things” that make a difference to patients and families who have been affected by cancer. FACE is run entirely by volunteers, who have directly or indirectly been impacted been cancer. There are no paid members of staff and no offices to maintain. This allows FACE to keep administration costs down to a minimum and maximise the funds that are available to provide help.

Amongst many things, each year they take families to Lapland. Last year the trip was designed to create a special day for families, especially children, who had lost loved ones.

With our twinkly, magical window we hope we spread some festive cheer, and if you feel that warm christmassy feeling when walking past, and if you feel you are able to, we would really appreciate any donation to this wonderful charity.

Merry Christmas, and twinkly kindness,

Jen, Kristin, Michelle and all the Maddie & Marks team xx