By Mal Butler
A Newport teenager has continued spreading her Christmas joy to care homes across the Island.
Macie Edkins-Wherry, 17, first started her goodwill gestures three years ago following lockdown, making sure the elderly with no one to visit them, received a present.
She has continued her visits buying presents out of her own money, and has recently been to 15 care and community homes delivering 126 gifts.
Macie, who is doing an NHS traineeship scheme, is also involved in other schemes, including raffles, raising money for charities throughout the year with the help of mum, Dana, and family and friends.
Dana said: “Macie loves going into the care homes and speaking to the residents when she can.
“I ask the homes for a list with things they might like, or their interests, so it’s more personal to them.
“Wayne Hunt, from Hunt’s Fruit & Vegetables, donated a big box of satsumas to give out to residents. It’s a great team effort and family affair with all the wrapping and delivering.
“It also gets us in the Christmas spirit and we must not forget that Christmas can be very lonely for some people. Macie feels this makes some know they are all thought of at Christmas time.
“I said to Macie recently: ‘How long do you think you will keep doing this?’ As it’s so challenging trying to fit it all in with her commitments and work. She replied: ‘I don’t want to stop’.”
Isle of Wight Observer