A PUPIL at Didcot Girls’ School has started a charity Secret Santa to make Christmas special for people who will be in hospital.

Courtney Hughes, 14, from Didcot, is working with Helen & Douglas House hospice in East Oxford, and Oxford Children’s Hospital to collect gifts for their patients and families.

She said: “Being ill, and away from your family at Christmas, is such a sad thought. The best gift at Christmas is the gift of giving.”

Courtney’s school is backing the campaign, along with family friend Kevin Ritson, who runs K&K newsagents in Brasenose Road, Didcot. Mr Ritson’s daughter, Ella, who was left with cerebral palsy after a brain tumour, died three years ago after receiving care at Helen & Douglas House.

Donations can be dropped off at K&K News until December 18.