A British teenager has selflessly donated £8,000 worth of gifts using her “pocket money” to charity in a bid to “make as many people smile on Christmas morning”.
Lily Simpson-Brown was left “devastated” after hearing how many people go without presents during the festive season.
The 14-year-old, from Ayr, started her “gift of kindness” act six years ago; initially using her £50 pocket money savings to buy a couple of gifts.
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Now, the project has seen her spend an impressive £8,000 on presents galore for the charity Women’s Aid, which she hand-delivers at the beginning of December, ready for Christmas morning.
“It is my belief that everyone should be able to give and receive Christmas presents,” the teen, who currently works two jobs to fund her act, told What’s The Jam.
“Being a mum is one of the hardest jobs in the world.
“And to not be able to give your child a present on Christmas is heartbreaking.
“I know things are hard for everyone, especially at this time of year, but we’re all just one wrong decision away from needing help.”
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Six years ago, Lily’s mum, Nicola, 36, had been regularly taking her along to the gym while she completed a workout.
It was there that the then eight-year-old spotted a pile of presents being donated to Women’s Aid.
The complex manager said: “She asked me one day what the toys were for, and I explained that there are some children who aren’t as fortunate as her.
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“They don’t get anything for Christmas and more often than not, don’t even have a safe place to live.
“To say she was devastated by this is an understatement.
“She asked if we could take her pocket money that had been saved up to buy some presents for people instead.
“I told her I’d match whatever she wanted to put in.”
To start, they put £100 into the pot.
But Lily wasn’t satisfied with her efforts and decided to do more the following year.
Now, she’s got the support of people at Nicola’s work and last year, she began a raffle to help raise a little bit more.
The family purchase their gifts from B&M and usually ends up with six trolleys full of goodies.
At the start of the festive month, they deliver them to Women’s Aid, who hand out wrapping paper and selected gifts to those seeking their help.
Nicola said: “It’s so that the mums can still have the joy of being able to wrap their own kids’ Christmas presents like everyone else.
“I’m so proud of Lily – she’s such an incredible human being.
“How she finds time to be so caring while being at school, dancing four days a week and juggling two jobs is beyond me.
“She would give her last pound to anybody who needed it.”
Lily, who hopes to have more funds for this year, has currently raised £1,014 out of her £1,200 target.
She’s also been selected for a Pride of Scotland award.
This year, the family are going away for Christmas and so are hoping to donate their Santa’s sack by the end of November.
Lily added: “I was determined to still do it this year.
“I don’t need to know where the gifts go – I’m just happy that I’ve made a difference.”
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