A Friend for Christmas

The true-story of one woman's inspiring journey from post-war poverty, to becoming a modern-day 'Mrs Christmas', all with a little help from her friends . . .

Sheffield, Christmas, 1953.
Gloria Stewart and her family were used to cold and hungry Decembers - a family of seven living in a two-bedroomed house, without central heating - but Gloria's mother, Lil, scrimped-and-saved every winter to ensure the fire was lit, paper decorations were made, and they all had a plateful of delicious food. Lil even made sure there was enough dinner for an unexpected friend or visitor; and each year there always seemed to be someone in need.

Being raised in a busy, rag-and-bone household held many hardships for Gloria; she grew up living in hand-me-down rags, with few friends to call her own. Then one day, a knock on the door brought a scruffy pup into her life - and Gloria discovered the loyal and unwavering friendship of a four-legged companion. But how could the family afford to feed another mouth when they could barely feed themselves?

Over the years, Gloria's love for her furry friends intensified, and as she grew up and had her own family, they helped her to carry on her mother's loving legacy of making sure that those who are alone at Christmas always have a friend!

Gloria Stewart has dedicated her life to helping people, both through her work as a care worker and her charity event for people without anyone to celebrate with at Christmas, Home Alone.

Gloria's event has grown every year since it began in 2007 and now brings festive cheer to hundreds of people across Yorkshire.

A Friend for Christmas is the autobiographical account of her incredible life.