Express & Star

Advent calendar in reverse as Bridgnorth boy, 9, helps others with kind Christmas gesture

A big-hearted Bridgnorth boy turned down an advent calendar this year, choosing to collect food to help the town's neediest instead.

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Sean and Kate Coady, Bridgnorth Town Councillor Julia Buckley, volunteer John Smith, co-ordinator Phil Webster and volunteer Neil Tanner

Sean Coady, nine, bought one food item for every day up to December 24, and donated it all to the town's food bank on Monday.

Sean, who attends Worfield Endowed Church of England Primary School, learned about the food bank at school and told mum Kate he wanted to try a "reverse advent calendar".

He collected one item each day, and because he would miss the last week on holiday he made up the shortfall before filling the hamper to hand over.

Sean Coady with his mum Kate at the foodbank

Kate said: "When he told me about his idea I was very proud of him, as always.

"He is always thinking about others, he is a very kind boy.

"He said he would give up his advent calendar as well, but I did get him one anyway.

"It has made him ask questions about it all, and it is really good to make him think about other people who are not as fortunate.

Sean Coady with his mum Kate at the foodbank

"I think he finds it a bit hard to understand why - I think we all do in a way - in a town like this people have to use a food bank.

"All of the volunteers down there are amazing and they do such a good job.

"I don't think this will be the end of Sean helping other people."

Sean had support from his school, who let him take time off to bring the hamper to the food bank.

The Trussell Trust, which runs food banks across the UK, has said the Christmas period is often the busiest time of year for the charity.

Visit bridgnorthfoodbank.co.uk