A Blackburn woman is hoping to make Christmas magical for a care home teenager who has never had a proper Christmas.

Bethany Culshaw is the manager of a new care home in Lancashire, which cannot be named to protect the identity of the child.

The Blackburn woman said her team was “taken aback” to discover a 13-year-old boy in their care had never celebrated the festive season.

Lancashire Telegraph: Bethany Culshaw Bethany Culshaw (Image: Bethany Culshaw)

Bethany said: “It was his first week here and we were talking to him about Christmas and what he wants.

“After I had read through all of his paper work it’s come to light that with his background he’s never had never celebrated Christmas – he’s never even had a tree or any presents.

“We sat there and were quite taken aback that a child who is 13-years-old has never had a Christmas.

“I was giving him some ideas but I could see in his face that this was quite overwhelming for him as he’s never even had that belief in the season.”

Bethany, who has worked in care homes for around six years, said it is a sad but stark reality of her job.

She said: “Sadly, this is a common occurrence in care homes at birthdays and Christmas.

“We do our best to make it amazing but the background of children mean some of them have never experienced these occasions.

“With this job you never switch off. It is hard to sit and have this conversation with a child and hold your emotion in and try and support them.

“It impacts you emotionally but it is very rewarding. You are their family, their home and their safe space.”

Bethany has decided to take action and make his first Christmas one he will never forget by asking for donations via GoFundMe and an Amazon wishlist.

She said: “Myself and the team are working hard to make the home feel Christmassy and to give him the Christmas he deserves!

“I’m in search of any decorations, board games, stocking fillers and anything to make this Christmas special for him.

“If anyone knows anyone or has any unwanted decorations, stocking fillers, board games, soft toys that they are happy to donate or sell for at an affordable price it would be highly appreciated.

“I’m happy to collect in person or can pay for postage.”

Bethany said she has been “overwhelmed” by the response from the public.

She said: “I didn’t expect the response it received. It’s been very overwhelming.

“It hasn’t just helped the child in my home. Whatever is there and left over will be distributed to other homes and other children.

“They will all have a little extra something this Christmas.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe by clicking here or purchase an Amazon Wishlist item here.