Christmas is the season of giving and our offices have been working hard to make sure that those less fortunate receive some festive cheer.

Rather than giving one another Secret Santa presents this year, our Preston practice has instead donated the equivalent £55 that they would have spent on gifts for one another to The Foxton Centre.

The Preston-based charity has a long history in supporting vulnerable adults and young people who face problems with poverty, addiction and mental health issues.

Over in Manchester, our team bought and filled 16 shoeboxes with essentials and treats for those living on the streets of Manchester, as part of The Homeless Christmas Shoebox Appeal, which is run by Manchester Street Angels.

Our Manchester office also donated to a toy appeal and volunteered to become a drop off point for the local community, which has now ended. The Salford Kids Xmas Appeal distributes new and second hand toys to local families and charities who aren’t able to afford presents for children this Christmas.

Audit manager at our Chester office, Heather Stockton, has also been accepted to take part in Claire House Does Strictly 2019. Heather will be paired with a professional dancer and given a dance style that she must learn in six lessons ahead of the competition at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool in April.

Heather, who’s never danced Ballroom or Latin styles before, will be competing against nine others for the coveted Glitterball trophy. She is raising money for Claire House Children’s Hospice, which you can donate to via her fundraising page here – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/heather-stockton – and tickets for the event can be purchased here – https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/events/claire-house-does-strictly-2019. Good luck Heather!