While families across the country were relaxing on Christmas Day, Chester’s Alice Walker-Shakespeare spent the festive week supporting disadvantaged children at the CHICKS charity retreat in Devon.

More than 25 children attended the breaks along with 12 volunteers and six charity staff who gave up Christmas with their own families to support children who would otherwise have missed out on a traditional festive season at home.

During the week, the children took part in a wide range of activities including watching a pantomime, visiting Santa’s grotto and attending a carol service.

Chester resident, Alice Walker-Shakespeare, 20, supporting disadvantaged children at the CHICKS charity retreat in Devon this Christmas
Chester resident, Alice Walker-Shakespeare, 20, supporting disadvantaged children at the CHICKS charity retreat in Devon this Christmas

On Christmas Day itself, the children received presents and stockings and enjoyed a traditional dinner surrounded by new friends.

Alice, 20, said: ‘‘It’s been wonderful seeing everyone enjoy this Christmas break. We have done so much, made so many friends and had a massive load of fun.

“One of my favourite moments of this week was when we did a Secret Santa. I sat with the children and helped them wrap their presents for each other and seeing the thought they put into each present was lovely.’’

Respite break leader Andy Hopkins said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our supporters who helped make these breaks possible and of course, to volunteers like Alice who selflessly gave up Christmas with their own families to support the children – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

CHICKS is a children’s charity that provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children. If you’d like to find out more, visit www.chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811020.