Norah Wilkinson continues to inspire her grandchildren long after her death.Three decades ago Norah Wilkinson started a Christmas tradition that her family is keeping alive five years after her death. It all stemmed from the loving grandmother’s simple motto: “It’s nice to be nice.” Back in 1990, this kindness led her to start spending £10 a year on presents for children who’d otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas day, according to The Mirror.
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Although Norah passed away five years ago, at the great age of 92, her grandchildren wanted to keep up the tradition. So Norah’s seven children Josie, Patricia, Maria, Michael, Pete, Paul and Kieran and their children have managed to gather a staggering £250,000 worth of gifts that will be handed out to more than 5,000 families for Christmas.
“We are delighted by the generosity everyone has shown. There is a real sense of community. People are surprised there are children who would go without on Christmas morning,” explained Norah’s granddaughter, Tor Imrie-Bell.
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This year, more than ever, many families are struggling to put food on the table. Yet, thanks to the generosity of strangers and this hard working and caring family, thousands of children will soon have a smile on their face.
While the work of the grandchildren and their parents is totally admirable, it’s wonderful to see how much of an inspiration a grandmother can be in life and death, and how a simple desire to be kind can snowball into a campaign to help thousands.
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