Lillie-J brings festive joy to Netherha residents

A Moray schoolgirl has brightened Christmas for every resident at a Buckie care home after fundraising to buy each of them a gift.

Nine-year-old Lillie presented the gifts at Netherha care home's festive party, where residents were treated to a special surprise.

Lillie-J, the great granddaughter of Netherha resident Margaret Doddy, raised £210 by selling raffle tickets for a Christmas hamper created with help from her mum and gran. She also visited local stores to explain what she was doing and received generous donations from Poundland, Ashers Bakery, Walkers Shortbread and an online company that provided blankets.

Lillie-J also spent three weeks making Christmas cards after school, creating a personal card for every resident, and donated £100 to the residents’ comfort fund.

Netherha manager Emily Johnston said: “Lillie-J has been absolutely amazing. She put so much effort into planning and creating something special for our residents, and they were delighted with their gifts and her handmade cards. She told us she wanted to do this because some people don’t have family, and that the residents at Netherha feel like her great nana’s family. It was lovely to see how much it meant to them, and we’re all so proud of her.”

Pictured: Lillie-J with residents Jean Algar and Margaret Doddy, with Santa and manager Emily Johnston