Wirral's independent local news website
A big-hearted Wirral pensioner has donated her entire Winter Fuel Allowance to a women and children’s refuge.
The anonymous donor sent a cheque to Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson, asking her to pass it to Wirral Women and Children’s Aid, to help keep its residents warm over the festive season.
“She has asked to remain anonymous, but I believe it is the same person who gave the same hugely generous donation last year,” said Cllr Williamson.
“The past few years have been challenging for everyone, and it means so much to see how amazingly kind Wirral people are, to think of others as fuel prices rocket.”
Pensioners aged over 80 received a £300 winter fuel payment this year, a cut from last year’s £400, while those aged under 80 will receive £200 this year, down from £250.
Wirral Women and Children’s Aid offers safe refuge accommodation, staffed 24-hours a day, as well as a helpline. They do everything from helping to find foster homes for family pets when women have to flee their homes, to offering counselling for children that have witnessed domestic abuse.
Cllr Williamson said, “The fact that this woman has given her entire Winter Fuel Payment yet again, despite the pressures everyone is facing, is a truly heartwarming act which shows that the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well here in Wirral. It will be with great humility that I hand over the cheque, in the knowledge that even in the darkest times, people never fail to look after each other.”
The refuge address is not made public for safety reasons, but anyone wishing to donate can do so at their charity shop site near Moreton cross.
Image credit: Molly Blackbird
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