Victims of domestic violence have sent emotional letters of thanks after more than 350 children received gifts from generous shoppers at Broadway Shopping Centre.

A record 355 gifts were donated to Bexley Women’s Aid by Bexleyheath locals who bought a gift for the charity’s annual Giving Tree, at Broadway Shopping Centre.

Staff and volunteers have been inundated with letters and cards of thanks from families who received a gift.

Among them, one mum who is living at the Bexley Women’s Aid refuge and received a gift for her young daughter, wrote: “Watching my child opening her presents at Christmas brought a tear to my eye.

“It was a happy tear because seeing her so happy was just amazing after everything we have been through.

“When my little girl had to leave so many of her toys and things behind it was heart breaking, I felt like I was punishing her when I was trying to protect her.

“So being able to give her some new toys and things to make her own again was so special.”

The mum, whose name is not being revealed to protect her identity after she fled an abusive partner, added: “I would like to thank everyone at BWA for working so hard and for everyone who helped donate and make Christmas a magical time when I thought it was going to be miserable.

“I only hope once I am back on my feet I can return the favour to other women who have to experience the same thing.”

A record 355 gifts were donated to the Giving Tree and distributed to families being helped by Bexley Women’s Aid in time for Christmas.

Shoppers were asked to collect a tag from the Giving Tree, stating the gender and age of the child who their gift would be for, and then return the tag with an unwrapped gift.

Broadway Shopping Centre manager Peter Sedge said: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of our shoppers.

“We have supported Bexley Women’s Aid with the Giving Tree for many years, and this is the greatest number of gifts we have ever received, in all 355 presents were donated in all which is 18% more than last year.

“These letters of thanks just show how much the gifts mean to the families who received them and we are so grateful to everyone who got involved.”

Statistically 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, and each week, two women lose their lives to domestic violence.

Bexley Women’s Aid provides a safe environment for up to 26 families affected by domestic violence. Last year it supported 76 women in refuge accommodation, along with 74 children. A further 500 further women are supported in the community.  Another mum wrote in a heartfelt thank you letter: “Myself and my children were overwhelmed with the beautiful thoughtful gifts given to us this Christmas.

“Times like this are so hard due to the circumstances and being able to still make it magical for the children at Christmas time means the world.

“Without the support from BWA and the community I don’t know how I would have made it through this time being the first ever Christmas away from friends and family.”

Another mum simply wrote: “I just want to say thank you very much for your kind Christmas gifts. It was very much appreciated. Wishing you all a very happy & healthy 2017.

  Clair Johnson, Director of Bexley Women’s Aid, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support that we have received.

“The Giving Tree gifts mean such a lot to the families who use our services and it is a joy to see the children’s faces light up when they receive their gift.”

“It’s testament to the generosity of the people of Bexleyheath that the number of gifts we receive each year just keeps growing.”

To find out more about Bexley Women’s Aid visit: www.bexleywomensaid.org.uk/ For more information about stores at Broadway Shopping Centre go to www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @BroadwayBexley Based on information supplied by Deb James.