A PORT woman is hoping to keep her late mum's love of Christmas alive by helping families in need this festive season.

Kirsty McGregor Burns will be spreading cheer next month by donating toys and selection boxes to those in need.

The kind mum's charity work started through the Port Glasgow Spiritual Mission group which she co-runs with husband Charles Burns and she has also been heavily involved in the Covid-19 grassroots relief effort in Port Glasgow.

Despite her own health struggles, the 42-year-old wants to give struggling families a helping hand this festive season.

Kirsty told the Tele: "Through the Port Glasgow Spiritual Mission group we have charity fundraisers, but with circumstances this year has been quite different.

"The group still meet online rather than in the local town hall and I've continued to do charity work.

"The idea is for people to 'nominate a child' by getting in touch with myself and we'll be able to provide gifts and a selection box.

"I really want to give back to the community.

"I have witnessed during the pandemic just how hard people have been hit."

Kirsty's love of Christmas stemmed from her mum, Helen McGregor, who passed away two years ago.

She said: "My mum absolutely loved Christmas, so I wanted to do something to honour her.

"She passed away close to Christmas in 2018, so I didn't want it to be totally doom and gloom for my family.

"We focus on this to keep her memory alive."

As well as the Christmas toy appeal, the Spiritual Mission group are holding a charity raffle in partnership with the Port Covid-19 response group.

It will take place on December 12 with prizes donated by local businesses, including a Christmas tree and decorations from B&Q, up for grabs.

Kirsty's husband, Charles, also plans on dressing up as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and going around the streets of Port Glasgow.

The kind duo, along with the help of Kirsty's children Kyle McGregor, 26, Jordyn McGregor, 22, and Charles' children Emma Burns, 21, and Jamie Burns, 16, plan to distribute gifts in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.

Kirsty added: "I've had offers of help from other volunteers in Port Glasgow too, it's been great.

"The biggest thing is getting people to come forward, as people don't always want to ask for help.

"We know it can be hard sometimes, so it'll all be kept private between myself and the families."

To donate to the 'nominate a child' appeal, suggest a family or take part in the raffle, visit Port Glasgow Spiritualist Mission on Facebook.

Costa in Port Glasgow Retail Park are also accepting donations of selection boxes on behalf of Kirsty's appeal.