Spread Xmas cheer to people in need

The LTC calls for donations to assist those struggling during the festive period

Christmas is the season of goodwill and a time for giving. So, in keeping with the spirit of goodwill to all men, women and children, the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) is asking for your support to spread some Christmas cheer to people in need.

The LTC recently launched its Christmas appeal to assist those who call on the charity over the festive period and during the forthcoming year. Director of marketing and

charity services Liz Gaffer said: "There are many people who struggle over Christmas and New Year, especially the elderly. Every pound goes towards helping someone who needs it."

The LTC assists those who have worked in all areas of the licensed drinks trade from pubs, and clubs to brewers, and the money raised through the Christmas appeal will help people such as Geoffrey Haynes and his daughter Hannah.

Geoffrey Haynes worked as a nightclub manager and approached the LTC to see if the charity could help him with his daughter Hannah. She suffers from a rare metabolic disorder and is severely disabled. When he wasn't working he spent most of his time caring for Hannah but when he was diagnosed with cancer, life became difficult.

Thanks to the generosity of the LTC's supporters, who contributed to the appeal at the beginning of 2006, the charity was able to offer financial help to Haynes and his daughter.

"Any contribution helps", says Gaffer. "£17 can heat a family's home for a week, £35 can help stock a family's cupboard for Christmas and £75 covers a one-off payment which will ease the burden for families who face hardship at Christmas. It's not just the LTC which is counting on your support; the families who desperately need it are too."

If you would like to send a donation to the Licensed Trade Charity's Christmas appeal, please make your cheque or postal order payable to the LTC and send it to the following address:

Christmas Appeal, Licensed Trade Charity, Heatherley, London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR.