One gift can make a kid’s Christmas – that’s why I’m backing Sun’s baby bank appeal, says Chloe Madeley
CHLOE MADELEY helped kick- start the festive celebrations at her local baby bank in aid of The Sun’s Cosy At Christmas campaign.
The TV personality and personal trainer, 36, visited The SPACE in Grenfell, West London with her adorable little helper, 16-month-old daughter Bodhi.
She is backing our drive to help struggling families this Christmas, in partnership with Save The Children UK, baby bank group Little Village and more than 200 other baby banks nationwide who provide essentials to kids.
And Chloe said: “If loved ones are asking what gifts your kids want, tell them there are children out there who aren’t getting anything, and you’d prefer their money to go to them.
“One gift can make a kid’s Christmas. There are so many parents out there worrying about what they can give their child to make them feel special.”
Chloe, who separated from her husband, ex-England rugby star James Haskell, 38, in September, admitted she was going through a “difficult time” but felt compelled to help out.
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She arrived in a Santa hat and with four sacks full of warm children’s clothing to donate.
She told us: “I really enjoy being a mother but I cannot remember the last time I didn’t feel exhausted.
Supplies are running out
“I’m trying to work, maintain a social life and I am going through a difficult time in my personal life right now but this is a 24/7 job.
“There is no respite, if you add in financial stress on top, like there is for the mums using this baby bank, it’s unmanageable.”
We launched our Cosy At Christmas campaign to ask YOU to donate money or new and good-quality pre-loved warm clothing, including coats, jumpers and nightwear, to your local baby bank.
The banks provide essentials such as nappies, clothes, toys and prams to families in need.
Since the launch, Sainsbury’s has donated £20,000 worth of pyjamas, which Chloe help to gift to families during her visit.
The SPACE — Supporting People And Community Empowerment — is a warm, inviting place where mums are welcomed with cups of tea and books.
Sparkly baby rattles and toy cars are scattered around to entertain little ones.
Chloe adds: “I have seen here first hand how it feels when mums feel supported.
“It’s a relief when you have another mother in front of you laughing about the same things you were crying into your pillow about.”
The SPACE, which aims to help 500 mums in the run-up to Christmas, was set up by Samia Badani, 48, in March 2018 in response to the devastating Grenfell tower block fire in West London that left 72 dead and hundreds of families homeless.
Samia says: “People are in dire need, and will need help more than ever in the run-up to Christmas.
“We had a dad arrive on a freezing day in late November with his three-year-old son in shoes so small they were folded over at the back.
“His cold feet were not even protected by socks, it was heartbreaking. Our volunteer handed him a warm pair of boots and a pile of socks.
“The same week a mum turned up in a rainstorm and her three-year-old didn’t have a coat.
“We found her one, but things are running out and we need help.”
Chloe was touched by the baby bank’s mission and made an instant friend in Natalia Parbosa, 40, whose son Rafi is two.
Natalia admits without the baby bank, Christmas would be bleak.
She said: “My partner and I are separated, he is a building caretaker and I lost my job in finance as I was struggling with postnatal depression. Even with a wage coming in, there is not enough money.”
Chloe’s experience with loneliness during pregnancy sparked a passion for supporting other mums.
She says: “In my third trimester . . . I felt very alone and anxious.
“I wasn’t living in London, where all my friends and family were, and my husband was travelling a lot. I was really struggling, it was a horrible period.”
Yet Chloe is positive about her first Christmas as a single mum.
She says: “People have been unbelievably supportive of me during my split.
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“But things can be sad and be a good thing, that’s how I feel about it. Bodhi is young and I find it a great comfort that she won’t know any different.
“James is a very hands-on dad, Bodhi loves him, he loves her and they have the most incredible relationship.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
DONATE BABY GOODS: Find the address of your local baby bank at littlevillagehq.org/uk-baby-banks.
Baby banks appreciate new or like-new, pre-owned items.
Each one may have different needs, so it is best to check with them first.
DONATE YOUR TIME: See if there is a group near you by going to littlevillagehq.org/uk-baby-banks.
DONATE MONEY: If you can spare some cash, you can donate by scanning the QR code, below, or by visiting savethechildren.org.uk/babybanks.
CALLING ALL BUSINESSES: If you would like to donate to our great Christmas campaign, please send an email to fabulousdigital@thesun.co.uk.
