Local business owner helps put smiles on children’s faces this Christmas

A local business owner and football coach has donated gifts to cared-for children in Tameside through an appeal he organised with his football club, based at Tameside Stadium in Ashton.

Clayton Palmer, of Elite Soccer Skills Programme, organised donations from families of children he coaches, along with a GoFundMe to raise money to purchase additional gifts.

Clayton had the idea to start a collection when speaking to one of the parents of the children he coaches, Lauren Fox, who works for Tameside Council Fostering Service. Together with the Fostering Service, ESSP arranged to donate a large number of children’s gifts which are now being distributed to local cared-for children in time for Christmas Day.

Speaking on behalf of ESSP, Clayton said: “When we started the collection we didn’t realise how big it would get, we’re really happy to have helped local cared-for children and I hope they enjoy their presents.”

Councillor Bill Fairfoull, Deputy Executive Leader with responsibility for Children and Families, said: “I think it’s fantastic that Clayton and ESSP have donated such a generous collection of gifts to our cared-for children, I’m sure there will be lots of smiles on Christmas morning and it’s brilliant that there is something for all our children and young people, from little ones to teenagers.

“Thank you to Clayton and all families and individuals from ESSP who donated, you have really made a difference to local children and families this Christmas.”

If you would like to know more about fostering a local child or young person, please get in touch today by calling 0161 324 2342 or complete the online form at tameside.gov.uk/fostering.