Appeal launched for New Mills publicans’ lonely OAP Christmas dinner giveaway

Shellie and Jimmy Hagan have delivered a two-course dinner and Christmas hamper on December 25 to isolated OAPs near the town for the last eight years.

The meals - consisting of a Christmas roast along with a desert - also come with a hamper of treats including mince pies, chocolate and biscuits, a cracker and a hat.

Every year pub regulars in the town raise money for the free meals by taking part in fundraisers such as a three-legged race and the popular ‘Santa Saunter’ pub crawl.

However this year mum-of-three Shellie was preparing to pay for the festive meal from her own pocket - as Covid-19 restrictions have ruled out large fundraising events.

Pub regulars and friends are now donating to a fundraising page to raise money needed for the Christmas meals.

Grandmother-of-two Shellie, who had 70 meals delivered by kind volunteers during one busy Christmas Day, cooks the meals along with sister Trudy.

She told how the December 25 visit was a major lifeline for isolated pensioners.

She said: “A lot of them are alone on Christmas Day and they want to have a chat with the drivers.

“And the fundraisers have always been a good way of bringing the town together.”

To help Shellie and Jimmy brighten up Christmas for lonely pensioners again this year click HERE.

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