OTLEY’S very own version of Santa has helped deliver more than 2,500 Christmas gifts to children in hospitals and hospices.

This is the third time that Mel Metcalfe has organised the Leeds Children’s Hospital Christmas Gift Appeal to cheer up young people who are receiving treatment over the festive holidays.

The fundraising mum says the support received by local residents and businesses, who are asked to donate presents, has been truly overwhelming this year.

Mel has had to rely on her own ‘little helpers’ to make the deliveries this time as she has been caring for one of her daughters, Alice, who has been ill with pneumonia.

She said: “The response has been overwhelming yet again and it would be impossible for me to mention all the businesses and people who have helped, because there are just so many.

“I would, though, like to say the most heartfelt thank you to each and everyone who has helped and donated and wrapped, knitted, delivered, or acted as gift drop-off points.

“The generosity has been amazing, and because of all the help we have managed to hand out more than 2,500 gifts and go to more hospitals and hospices than ever.

“Those have included Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s University Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, Airedale General Hospital, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Pinderfields, Martin House Children’s Hospice and the Forget Me Not Hospice, and many, many more.

“Gifts are also being taken to Barnardo’s who look after child carers, who take care of disabled parents, and some have gone to children’s homes too.

“I cannot put into words just how proud I am of everyone involved and the wonderful community we live in, without the support of all these many wonderful kind people none of this would happen.

“They have brought smiles to more 2,500 brave children’s little faces this Christmas and for that I am truly grateful.”

At Martin House Children’s Hospice one of the young residents, Alex, accepted sack-loads of gifts on behalf of all the children.

Martin House’s West Yorkshire community fundraiser, Sarah Tarpey, said: “I was absolutely thrilled to receive these wonderful donations from Mel Metcalfe and her supporters. Mel does an enormous amount of good work for charities in the Otley and West Yorkshire areas and Martin House is extremely grateful for this very generous and kind gesture.