I keep having to pinch myself but today really does mark the start of December - a time to treasure family and friends and to celebrate how lucky we are in a world that at present is so unpredictable.

It is hard to believe that a year ago, the Northern community was sharing in the news that one of our children was extremely poorly in hospital. Our hearts and prayers went out to the family as they faced the uncertainty of cancer treatments. Through the care of the hospital and the family's determination, Luke is back in school with his friends and although he is still receiving treatment his beaming smile is brightening up the lives of everyone he meets. To be honest, and Year 4 will agree, it just hasn't been the same without Luke's boundless energy and beaming smile in the classroom.

Luke and his mum, Vicky, would love to do something to show their gratitude to the hospital and have come up with an amazing idea that I am sure you will all wish to support too. It is an amazing idea for sharing Advent happiness and gratitude.

This is what Luke and his mum are hoping for:

At the hospital they have something called Brave Boxes. They are filled with little treats for when the children have had to have something horrible done, normally injections, port access, cannulas etc . It’s nothing fancy, pocket money things, little pots of slime, surprise eggs etc . Nothing costs more than a couple of pounds but all the kids love a dip in the Brave Box and to be honest the choices have been a bit rubbish the last few weeks. 

Luke was going to go shopping and get a few bits for the Brave Box with money he’s been gifted off family but we would love to take any extra things anyone else might like to contribute. I was wondering if anyone else wanted to drop anything off - a small toy or treat - at school.

So here is the plan for the whole school community to become involved if you wish:

Today the Christmas tree has been decorated in the school hall and underneath will be placed a Christmas sack. Any child who brings in a donation of a pocket money priced treat for the Brave Box can place their donation in to the sack under the tree ready to be delivered to the Children's Hospital by Luke and his mum. This will be completely anonymous but will make a huge difference to the lives of the children, including Luke, who are undergoing treatment. Wouldn't it be brilliant if our Northern school community could send a sack full of goodies for the Brave Box. 

What an amazing way of spreading Christmas cheer and kindness. 

Take care and keep smiling.