A YOUNG cardiac patient is tucking into some festive treats after her mum became the first of 12 deserving people to receive a Christmas hamper.
As reported, the Grimsby Telegraph has teamed up with the Artie White Foundation for the charity's 12 Days of Christmas Campaign, which will see food hampers or toy vouchers being donated to deserving recipients across the area.
And their first delivery was made over the weekend to Dannielle Bee, of Pershore Avenue, Grimsby.
The 31-year-old was nominated for a hamper by her mum, who has seen the heartache her daughter has gone through over the past five years.
Dannielle's daughter, Skyla-Paige Bee, 5, has already undergone two operations, including open-heart surgery, to help save her life after she was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia – when a valve in the heart is not fully formed – before she was even born.
Despite this, Dannielle has remained strong and has even found time to campaign against the proposal to close Leeds Children's Heart Unit, the place Skyla-Paige had her surgery.
The devoted mum was shocked when the charity told her about the Christmas hamper, but says she is delighted to have been recognised in this way.
Dannielle said: "The past few years have been hard but, as a parent, I have not dwelled on them and just got on with helping my daughter.
"I am shocked to have received this gift. I never knew the Artie White Foundation did things like this.
"The hamper was full of snacks and food that will go a long way over the festive period – Skyla-Paige has already found the chocolates inside.
"I just want to thank my mum and dad for all their support. In a way I feel as though I should be giving back to them and not the other way around.
"My mum always tells me how proud she is of me, especially for keeping strong with Skyla-Paige.
"I think these hampers are a great idea, it has certainly been a nice surprise for me."
Grimsby Telegraph readers can still nominate someone to receive a hamper by filling in the form on this page.
It could be someone who always goes that extra mile for others, a young family struggling to buy presents, or an elderly person facing the prospect of spending Christmas alone.
Whoever they are, you can put a smile on their face.
The recipients will be chosen by committee members of the Artie White Foundation, and each presentation will be reported in the paper.
Committee member Debbie Boylen said: "As a charity, we raise money locally and want to ensure that we spend our money locally.
"We would love to hear about any deserving cause, be it people who selflessly put others before themselves and deserve a special treat or maybe a person or family who are going through difficult times.
"We would love to help make Christmas special this year. So please send your nominations in."
Barry Meadows, chairman of the Artie White Foundation, said: "Christmas is a special time of year, but it can also be a difficult time for many people.
"It was a delight to give Dannielle a hamper, she was not expecting it at all.
"I met her daughter, and when you hear just how much the family have been through, you know what you are doing is worth it. The Artie White Foundation has supported local charities for the past 16 years.
"This year we wanted to widen the range of possible recipients by allowing readers of the Grimsby Telegraph to tell us who they think deserves a gift this Christmas.
"Whether it is a food hamper or a toy voucher, every little helps during the festive period."
Make a nomination
To nominate someone you believe deserves a Christmas treat, fill in the form below:
