Lockdown birthday club puts smiles on faces of youngsters in South Tyneside

Hebburn Helps co-founder Angie Comerford has launched the Lockdown Birthday Club on Facebook with the aim of spreading some birthday cheer to those spending their special day during the third national lockdown.

Angie said she was inspired to set up the group after seeing how difficult it was for her son to not see his friends and family on his birthday.

Teaming up with pals Emma Duffy and Rachael Gibson, Angie set up the group asking people to get in touch via the Facebook page if their child would like to receive a special happy birthday message during this difficult time.

Since then the team have been overwhelmed with requests for video birthday messages and some have even received socially-distanced doorstep visits, with Angie dressing up as a monkey, bunny or dog and handing out sweets to mark their big day.

A 75-year-old woman even received a birthday visit to boost her spirits, with Angie saying the lady 'broke down’ in tears when she was sung happy birthday and received an afternoon tea.

Angie said: “It’s all about putting smiles on faces and spreading a bit of cheer.

"Bethany, Emma’s daughter has also taken part in the video messages and they have been so beautiful.

"The little ones are over the moon to get a message or visit and we have had various messages saying thank you so much."

To request a visit send a message to the Lockdown Birthday Club on Facebook.

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