These were Ben’s words last year when he saw there was nothing waiting for him on Christmas morning. Ben is 6 years old. He is a funny, mischievous, sensitive little boy who, despite his difficult start in life, always manages a smile. Since the first day that children’s charity Barnardos started working with Ben in July this year, he has been a bundle of energy.  But Ben’s life is marred by poverty – poverty which his mother is fighting desperately to lift them from. 
 
Their home is very small and completely unsuitable for a young boy his age, and the family are currently on a waiting list for more appropriate accommodation.  In the meantime, Ben’s Mam is trying to make it as comfortable and ‘homely’ as possible. She doesn’t have much, even though she works a number of low-paid, part-time jobs. There isn’t much left over at the end of each month after paying bills for any little treats for her boy. And that includes something as special as Christmas. 
 
Ben’s mother says: “Ben knows not to expect much from Santa this year. He would love to write and ask for just one special gift – but he realises, without understanding why - that he can’t just ask Santa to bring everything we need”.
In order for Barnardos to ensure Ben, and many other children in similar situations, have the magical Christmas they deserve, they really need your support this year. 
 
Barnardos wants to work with Ben and his Mam closely over the coming weeks and into 2015 - which is vitally important to ensure that it’s not just a magical Christmas they have, but a brighter future. Since starting his tailored programme with Barnardos, Ben has been allowed to simply be a child. Barnardos are helping him with his social and educational development; his Mam is attending Barnardos parenting programme on a weekly basis and is learning to manage their situation much better. 
 
You can help give Ben, and many more children like him, the happy Christmas and brighter future they deserve with one simple act – pledge to buy just one extra gift this Christmas and donate it to Barnardos click here.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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