When Mark-based company Somerlap saw an appeal from the Nelson Trust for Christmas donations, it decided to not only offer financial support but also to provide a Christmas tree for the charity's Bridgwater office.

The Nelson Trust runs a women's centre in Bridgwater which opened in 2019, and works with approximately 650 vulnerable women across Somerset.

Somerlap learnt about its appeal via the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, of which it is a member, and decided to make a £250 donation. It has also delivered a Christmas tree from its stock to the charity's office in Kings Square.

Kevin Bond, managing director of Somerlap, said: "We are delighted to make the Nelson Trust our Christmas charity for 2020, as it does fantastic work with vulnerable women in the county.

"We hope that they enjoy the Christmas tree, and that it brings cheer to everyone who sees it."

Gemma Denman, centre manager at the Nelson Trust, said: "Christmas can be a very difficult time for a lot of the women we support at the Nelson Trust, but it is donations from thoughtful services within the community that help us to make Christmas a little easier for the women.

"Every Christmas, we deliver hampers to the women as a gift, and the generous donation from Somerlap has allowed us to purchase lots of festive items to include in our hampers including toiletries, gloves, instant hot drinks, festive food, and toys for the children in the care of their mother.

"These hampers make such a difference to the women and help to make a very difficult time for women a lot easier.

"A massive thank you to the staff at Somerlap for the Christmas tree and financial support we have received, from everyone at the Nelson Trust.

"If you would like to donate to our women's centre we have an Amazon wish list that includes all of the items we regularly need.

"You can find this on our Nelson Trust Facebook page or if you wanted to drop any donations off please get in touch with us on 01278 557730."