This Manchester lad might be the most selfless nine-year-old in the city this December — after he spent Christmas donating presents to sick children in hospital.
Lewis Anderson also handed out chocolates to paramedics and police officers yesterday (December 25). In all, the star man from Beswick has given thousands of pounds worth of goodies to hospitals across Greater Manchester.
His generosity comes from a very personal place — because as a small child, Lewis had to spend Christmas Day in a hospital bed. Proud dad Paul explained how his son has given back.
READ MORE: Meet the Christmas Heroes working on Greater Manchester's frontline this Christmas Day
“It started about five years ago, Lewis spent three weeks in hospital over Christmas,” Paul told the Manchester Evening News . “He was in on Christmas Day and there wasn’t a great deal of toys there, so every year since then he has donated toys at Christmas and Easter eggs.
“He is asthmatic. He got diagnosed with it when he was admitted — and he was on the high dependency unit. He is still asthmatic now, but it does not hold him back, he’s quite sporty.”
This year, the family were able to help Lewis collect enough money to buy two Amazon tablets, and also had an Xbox, educational toys, books, Lego Duplo and ‘an array of toys’ donated to their cause. Those gifts are now with some of the region’s specialist children’s hospitals.
“We delivered three sacks of toys to Salford Foyer — they do an amazing job supporting young people including a mother and baby unit — and also gave stuff to Ronald McDonald House at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Christmas Eve,” Paul continued. “We also handed out chocolates yesterday at the Ambulance Station at MRI and West Gorton Police Station.”
Lewis’ efforts have been aided by his sister Georgia, Paul added, who was sadly poorly on the big day this year so could not head out with her brother.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Meet the Christmas Heroes working on Greater Manchester's frontline this Christmas Day
- 'It looks like Christmas has been sick all over my 70s house - it's not to my family's taste but I love it'
- Christmas Day Quiz: Try these 100 question and answers with your family and friends today
- 'We shouldn't exist': Inside the very special Christmas toy shop where no-one has to pay a penny
- 21 festive photos of Christmas in Greater Manchester over the years
