'Incredible' son of domestic abuse survivor collects Christmas gifts for other victims in Worthing and Brighton

Georgie Newman, who fled domestic violence with her son, Lucas, in 2014, said he has collected more than 180 advent calendars, 'with the help of our local communities'.

Lucas has also gathered generous donations for the refuges, in Worthing and Brighton, and even donated a pile of brand new gifts.

Georgie, from Selsey in West Sussex, said: "The refuges are really grateful. They said they were not expecting to get anything this year for Christmas.

"They didn't think they would be able to provide [all their usual services].

"They were touched by the advent calendars, so the children can all have a normal countdown to Christmas. We are really chuffed with it."

Aspiring footballer, and 'huge' Brighton and Hove Albion fan, Lucas was inspired by his mum's charity work in previous years and wanted to do his bit, Georgie explained.

She added: "Last year, I collected advent calendars for one of the local refuges and got Lucas to help me out with collecting them from people's doorsteps.

"He asked if we could do it again this year, which was really lovely.

"He asked his school friends to bring them in. We put it out on social media, collecting them door to door."

Describing her son as 'incredible', Georgie said Lucas has been 'asking a lot about the refuges' over the last year and is starting to get a better understanding about the work they do.

"We used the refuges ourselves," she said. "He's interested to know more.

"We asked people for gifts that they didn't want from previous years or to buy something for a small child when they went shopping.

"We gave 15 toys and puzzles away and were given £40 in cash donations whilst we were collecting calendars, as well as 25 rolls of wrapping paper so refuges could wrap presents given by us and other charities.

"It is something we will do annually for them. It's something they do panic about but don't have to worry anymore."

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