A KIND-HEARTED father-and-son fundraising team have outdone themselves this year – gathering up and handing out more than 1,500 presents for kids to bring some joy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kilwinning volunteer Michael Kirkum launched his seventh Christmas appeal for children in hospital – and with the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s effort was more important than ever.

Michael said they were delighted with the response from the public after presenting the selection boxes and colouring books to youngsters in Crosshouse Hospital – with the excess goodies distributed in Kilwinning and Irvine.

Many children who will be spending the festive season in Crosshouse Hospital could be unable to see their parents on Christmas Day due to COVID-19 restrictions.

And Michael said he wanted to do all he can to make their day a little bit brighter and launched the appeal for selection boxes, toys, games and activity books to give the kids a really special Christmas Day.

Michael Snr said: “Most of the selection boxes, colouring books and crayons are going to the

hospital, The Playz in Kilwinning got some, as did St Luke’s school, as did Children First in Irvine and some small local groups got the remaining few .

“More than 1,500 were given out this year – 250 colouring books with crayons to match, 100 sticker books, plus two boxes of chocolate for the staff.

“It’s the best year to date well over £4.000 in money given out this year.”

The Kirkums woud like to thank the Asda cafe Irvine, Gary McLaughlin, Robert Kirk, AGB Engineering, Shuttlebus, KK contracts Paul Stevenston, Express Roofing, Billy’s Barbers, The Alton Inn, On Fire Driving and Darren Clark.