UP CLOSE WITH: The heroes who fed 50 young people on Christmas Day

Young care leavers in Richmond enjoyed a Christmas to remember thanks to volunteers from the Richmond Christmas Day Dinner.

Fifty young adults who have recently left care received a hot meal, a sack of gifts and a hamper of essentials, all delivered to their door on the day by Christmas 'elves'.

At 3pm guests watched a montage of video messages made specially for them by soap stars, pop stars, sports champions, DJs and TV presenters, among others.

The charity's mastermind Sian Thomas is determined that care leavers, many of whom live in hostels or alone in flats, should feel the love, care and warmth of a family Christmas.

And judging by the messages that poured in from the guests, she achieved her goal.

Reviews from the guests

"Absolutely incredible. Definitely turned the day around."

"I just want to say a massive thank you from me and all care leavers. The amount of compassion, dedication and commitment, you make it your mission to show us that we matter. It's quite humbling to know that there are people like you guys."

"I've honestly been in shock for two hours straight. Oh my god!!!!"

"Hi! Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for everything you did today! The food was delicious, the presents were amazing! I appreciate it so much, hope you have a lovely day with your family and friends."

"Thank you for facilitating this for me and others this Christmas. I can't thank you enough."

The huge volunteer effort over many weeks to store and wrap presents, prepare and cook the Christmas meal, collect donations, plan online activities, coordinate communications and schedule deliveries was matched by the generosity of Richmond folk and businesses around the borough, all of whom pitched in to make the day a success.

Cian Buddin volunteered for the first time this year.

She said: "I am a care leaver myself and I went to St Mary's University to study physical and sports education, so I knew a couple of staff members had volunteered in the past.

"I thought this year would be the best year to do it because they need the support now more than ever."

Cian was on the steering group that plans the whole event and on the actual day she was at HQ, coordinating volunteer drivers who took presents, hampers and a hot meal out to guests all over the borough.

"It was an amazing experience," she said. "Because of covid I had only met everyone that day but they just felt like family.

"It sounds quite clichéd but it is so rewarding.

"Just knowing that we've made their day. We got a lot of thank you messages throughout the day which was really nice to hear.

"Normally there is a Christmas dinner with everyone all together in a venue but because this year was so different we put on virtual entertainment for most of the afternoon, like an origami making session, a quiz and slots in the day where the young people could go online and chat to other people, especially if they were on their own. The delivery elves were checking on guests and checking if they wanted a phone call later.

"It was really emotional. Even volunteers who are care leavers get supplied with gifts and food. I was really spoilt. I was really overwhelmed. I cried when I opened my presents at home.

"I will definitely come back and volunteer next year."

Visit the Richmond Christmas Day Dinner website to find out how you can get involved next year.