A KIND-HEARTED volunteer for St Leonard’s Hospice in York is asking all her friends to make donations to the organisation rather than buying her presents for Christmas.

Sarah Baldock, 22, who works in the St Leonard’s shop in Broadway, Fulford, two days each week, said there was “nothing she needs” so is instead asking for everyone to think of others this Christmas.

Sarah, from Fulford, has contacted all those who traditionally give her presents to ask them to donate the money to the hospice instead.

She has even created a special on-line donations page so that the St Leonard’s can receive the gifts directly.

Sarah said: “I really enjoy working in the shop and this seemed such an obvious thing to do when I thought about cutting down on present swapping this year. St Leonard’s was the first charity I wanted to support, because it’s such a great cause.

“A lot of my friends live far away and a few of us said let’s not swap presents because it costs a lot by post, but I still wanted to do something to keep it Christmassy.

“I don’t need anything – there’s nothing I really want so I would rather they spend their money on a good cause. I have had a good response so far.”

Sue Edwards, from St Leonard’s Hospice fundraising team, said: “Sarah’s very thoughtful idea is really generous; it will help the hospice towards meeting its annual running costs of £3.5 million and to continue to care for local people.

“If anyone else would like have donations to benefit the Hospice in this way, phone 01904 777777 and we can help set up a donations page.”