A six-year-old boy from Hixon took on the true meaning of Christmas by raising almost £500 for CAFOD instead of receiving gifts for himself.

The compassionate youngster had heard about CAFOD’s work from an education volunteer who visited his school, where he learned about how the charity helps people around the globe to access clean water and medicine.

It struck a chord with Tom, and when his mum asked him what he’d like for Christmas while sitting on the sofa one night, he simply said: “I don’t need anything, someone else can have my Christmas present.”

It was from there that his plan to raise funds for CAFOD was born.

Tom said: “It made me really happy that on Christmas Day I’d been able to get some money to help others enjoy Christmas.”

Tom’s mum, Alex, added: “We are really proud of Tom, and that he saw something he could change in the world and made a difference.

“It impressed us that our six-year-old made the decision to give up his Christmas presents and that decision wasn’t one he wavered on as Christmas approached.”

CAFOD’s local representative in Hixon, Julia Hood, said: “What a wonderful young man. His kindness will really reach so many people around the world. Well done Tom, and a huge thank you!”

To donate to Tom click here