A DAD whose heartfelt gift to a doctor caring for his son is asking for people to once again join him in donating Chocolate Oranges in his memory.
Chris Lamb, 45, started Make A Difference Friday 12 years ago in memory of his son Elliott Lamb, who died aged four in 2010 from the condition congenital Cytomegalovirus.
In his memory, Chris came up with the idea of collecting as many Terry’s Chocolate Oranges as possible for hospital staff nationwide each Christmas.
This was inspired by him gifting a Chocolate Orange to a doctor caring for his son over the Christmas period and how much it meant to him and the doctor at a busy time of year.
Since that day and in Elliott’s memory, more than 125,000 of the chocolates have been donated to the appeal and gifted to hospital staff in December across the UK and even in various other countries such as Australia, Germany and more.
Chris himself will travels to hospitals and hospices across the region to deliver the treats and show NHS staff the community's gratitude for all that they do.
Chris, from Rainford is now appealing for people to start donating Chocolate Oranges to one of the many drop off points throughout St Helens, ahead of the final gathering at St Helens Town Hall on Friday, December 9.
He said: “This started off me giving one Chocolate Orange and now more than 125,000 have been given to medical staff over 12 years and it’s incredible to me.
“It’s just an act of kindness, a small thank you to the NHS staff and more for all they do especially at Christmas.
“Most places sell Terry’s Chocolate Oranges for £1 so it’s not much and I know we are in this cost of living crisis but if they can help I know it means a lot to those they go to.
“These past few years we really got to understand how incredible our NHS really is, we can’t forget that now they deserve every praise possible, especially at this time of year.
“Since this started it’s been amazing to have Elliott’s name carried on and now hospitals across the UK get Chocolate Oranges and hear his story and that’s lovely for us.”
The final drop off event on Friday, December 9 will include Christmas Carols from the choir at Rainford Brook Lodge and Chris is looking for other choirs to get in touch to support the event.
The drop off will take place from 9am to noon at St Helens Town Hall.
Any donated Chocolate Orange dropped off ahead of that event should be taken to any of the following:
- JCs Kitchens, Denton Green.
- Portico Vine RL club, Thatto Heath.
- The Tablot Pub, Duke St.
- St Helens Book Stop, Bridge St.
- Royal Alfred Pub, Shaw St.
- REDS Cafe, Church Rd in Rainford
- The Holiday Emporium, Church Rd in Rainford.
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