A Friend for Christmas

Description

An inspiring true-story about one woman's uplifting journey from post-war poverty, to becoming a modern-day 'Mrs Christmas', all with a little help from her friends. Sheffield, Christmas, 1953. Gloria Stewart and her family were having another cold and hungry winter, but Gloria's mother, Lil, had scrimped-and-saved to ensure the fire was lit, paper decorations were made, and her five children had a plate full of delicious food. Lil even made sure there was enough dinner for an unexpected friend or visitor; and each year there always seemed to be someone in need. Despite being raised in a busy, rag-and-bone household, Gloria grew up with few friends. That is, until a knock on the door brought a scruffy pup into her life- and Gloria discovered the loyal and unwavering friendship of a four-legged friend. Over the years, Gloria adopted many dogs - and even the odd cat - who helped her through good times and bad; illness, love and heart-breaking loss. They even helped her to carry on her mother's loving legacy of making sure that those who are alone at Christmas have food, warmth, and most of all, a friend!

Gloria Stewart has dedicated her life to helping people, both through her work as a care worker and her charity event for people without anyone to celebrate with at Christmas, Home Alone. Gloria's event has grown every year since it began in 2007 and now brings festive cheer to hundreds of people across Yorkshire. A Friend for Christmas is the autobiographical account of her incredible life.

This memoir tells how she learned the value of kindness during her tough childhood * Best books for December, Best Magazine * The story of young Gloria, whose lonely childhood is changed when a knock on the door brings a scruffy, loveable puppy into her life. Sure to pull on your heartstrings * Big Issue North *