FOUR 16-year-old girls from Hillingdon channelled their Christmas spirit to give a gift with a difference this year.

They devoted their time to raise funds for children in need. 

Having grown up in single-parent families, Intasam, Shreya, Lena and Hannah, all studying at Uxbridge College, were keen to help struggling families with Christmas presents for their children.  

Intasam said: “We have experienced for ourselves the difficulties that many families face over the Christmas period and know how hard it can be, particularly at a time when the cost of living is so high.

“We’re a really supportive friendship group and three of us have been brought up by single mothers, with one of us growing up in care, so we wanted to do something different this year.” 

The four students came up with a fund-raising idea to complete a six-hour hike through the Peak District, which raised £496. 

Intasam said: “We arranged everything ourselves and covered the cost of the transport to complete the challenge. We’re so proud of what we have achieved, and I hope we can bring some happiness to local families this Christmas.” 

Hillingdon Council provided the girls with a wish list for the children, before they went shopping in Uxbridge and wrapped up the presents themselves. 

The borough’s Children’s Services teams then distributed the gifts on their behalf. 

Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “What a wonderful thing these young people have done to give back to the community.

“This act of kindness really epitomises what true Christmas spirit is all about.”

Hillingdon is looking for foster carers to provide a stable home. If you think you can make a difference, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering