Birds Of Feather star Linda Robson said our appeal was important ‘because a lot of people are struggling’

ACTRESS Linda Robson has become the latest famous Islingtonian to back the Tribune’s annual Christmas Hamper Appeal.

The Birds of a Feather star, who became a grandmother for the second time just last week, urged residents to donate.

“It can be a tough time for the elderly,” said Ms Robson, 58, between rehearsals for Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan theatre in High Wycombe.

“When Christmas time comes around people think about presents for children and sometimes the elderly get forgotten.

“At [Shelburne School for Girls, in Holloway] we used to do hampers for the elderly.

“It’s important because a lot of people are struggling because everything is so expensive these days.”

Ms Robson had a huge surprise when appearing as a panelist on ITV’s Loose Women yesterday (Thursday), when daughter Lauren brought on new granddaughter Betsy.

Now in its fifth year, our Hamper Appeal ensures that nobody is left out of the joy that the festive season brings.

The hampers, full of festive goodies, will be delivered by Santa to those most in need of something to smile about, including elderly people facing a lonely Christmas.

Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn backed the appeal, urging residents to donate. He was pictured with leading members of Islington Pensioners’ Forum, which has also given the appeal its support, as has Islington Council.

The appeal is backed by Angel Central shopping centre, which has set up an online Just Giving page, where people can make donations.

It has pledged to collect donations at the centre.

Please click on the button below to pay by Paypal or you can send a cheque (made payable to ‘Islington Tribune Hamper Fund’) to Islington Tribune Hamper Fund, 40 Camden Road NW1 9DR

Readers can get involved in fundraising for the appeal and can let us know of anyone you think would like to receive a hamper.

Contact us by emailing hamperappeal@islingtontribune.com