Christmas appeal to support Leighton Buzzard families who've faced suicide, domestic abuse and life-changing accident
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A Leighton Buzzard woman is organising a Christmas appeal for families affected by suicide, domestic violence, and a life-changing car accident.
Traci Forsythe, 54, is hoping to raise £1,500 to help three families in need this Christmas, as the money will help the parents to pay off rising bills and afford food and presents. She is also appealing for donations of toys to help bring festive cheer and a "Christmas miracle" to their children.
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Hide AdTraci told the LBO: "If you met these families, even if you met them for five minutes, you would be affected with how hard life is for these people. The lady from the domestic abuse case, she was covered in cigarette burns. I'm hoping to make life that little bit better for them. If you can donate a toy from the pound shop, it all adds up. All I'm asking for is to make these children smile at Christmas."
The first family that Traci has chosen involves a young mum who has been left disabled after a car accident. The husband has had to quit work to take care of her and their two young boys, meaning the family now relies on a food bank for meals.
Traci said: "They, like everyone else in the county, are struggling to pay everyday bills and are worrying that they won’t be able to afford presents for the children. Just a few toys for the boys, or [money] to help with the Christmas dinner or to top up on the prepayment gas and electric meters would be a massive help."
The second family is a mum with three boys. The boys' father died by suicide in 2022.
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Hide AdTraci explained: "They have had to leave the family home they shared with the dad, as the mum cannot afford to pay for the rent and the bills on her own, despite working two jobs. She is so worried that this Christmas is going to be a bad one, as it’s the first one without their dad - and even more daunting that she cannot afford to buy them presents as well."
The third family Traci has chosen is a mum with three children who escaped a very physical and abusive relationship with nothing but some of the children's clothes while her abuser was at work. They are now in temporary accommodation waiting for a property to become their permanent home.
Traci said: "The mum relies on the church and food banks in order to feed the family. She hasn’t been able to put her heating on in order to cook the girls a hot meal, and if the girls are really hungry then she will go without. She would love to be able to afford presents for her girls."
Traci was involved with local campaign last Christmas to help a family in need, whilst also gifting some donations to Leighton Buzzard charities. So far donations have raised over £1,100. Some of the toy donations will also be going to a local mum who has struggled to receive benefit payments.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
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Hide AdIf you have been affected by issues raised in this story you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or email [email protected]