Long Sutton cafe owner cooking and delivering hot meals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day

A kind-hearted café owner is doing her bit to ensure no pensioners go without a lovely Christmas dinner this year – by giving up part of her day to cook and deliver hot meals.

Faith Pearson, of Long Sutton’s Unicorn Diner, felt so bad at the thought of elderly residents being home alone without a festive dinner on December 25 that she has decided to offer a meal delivery service herself.

And since announcing her plans a number of generous customers have come forward to pledge donations – which already amount to more than £50 - to pay for some of the £7.50 meals.

“I just couldn’t bear the thought of being at home on Christmas Day with my family, enjoying a special meal, and knowing that there were elderly people out there, all alone, and not getting a hot dinner,” said Faith, who opened the Market Place diner last December.

“So I decided I would do something about it and offer a delivery service with a home cooked turkey dinner with all the festive trimmings, dessert, some mince pies for later and a gift for each person.

“It seems to have snowballed from there as other customers and members of the community have since come forward and made donations to help cover the costs of the meals, which is just lovely.”

So far Faith has received around ten bookings from pensioners in the Long Sutton, Lutton, Holbeach and Sutton Bridge areas.

There will be a team of three – including Faith’s daughter Pippa Dawson and Michele Jackson - cooking and delivering the meals, which are available Boxing Day too.

“I’m really passionate about making sure we look after our elderly customers and residents, especially at this time of year when the weather is getting colder.

“I want people to be able to still have a hot meal, even if they can’t get out themselves,” added Faith, who also runs a hot meal delivery service during the week for elderly customers.

Since opening the diner Faith has developed a loyal following and is hosting a special Christmas party to thank a small group of customers for their support.

In addition to home deliveries and hot meals the Unicorn Diner has recently started serving Sunday roasts too. It also hosts parties and provides outside catering for functions including weddings, christenings and funerals.

* To book a meal or make a donation contact the Unicorn Diner, 32 Market Place, Long Sutton, on 01406 362744 or send a message via its Facebook page @Theunicorndiner

The last day to book a Christmas meal for delivery December 15.