A PEMBROKESHIRE couple who have taken the saying “charity begins at home” to heart are offering free Christmas Dinners for the ninth year running.

Lorna and Billy, from Helping Hands, a small Independent Care Provider supplying much-needed support throughout the county, started the tradition back in 2015 of giving away a full traditional Christmas dinner or two for someone in need, on their own, unwell, homeless, or struggling with the cost of living. Through the years they have also provided for caregivers and keyworkers on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as they just don’t get the time.

2022 saw the couple cook and deliver 12 Christmas dinners throughout the Pembrokeshire community, including a woman’s refuge, and to a doctor and nurse on the Christmas Day late shift. Last year saw the team cook and deliver over 110 Christmas Dinners all over Pembrokeshire and, with a little bit of last minute help from The Bearded Chefs, they even supplied meals for two homeless hostels.

Billy is known as ‘King of the Kitchen’; both he and Lorna are fully insured and hold Food Hygiene Certificates.

Because of the increased workload for Team Helping Hands and other pressures, there will only be a limited number of dinners available for Christmas 2024; nevertheless, Lorna and Billy will once again be giving away more fully traditional Christmas dinners this year, complete with all the trimmings and a pudding.

They aim to deliver the meals on December 23, Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day morning.

These dinners are totally free and not for profit, but once they are gone they are gone. So if you know of anyone in Pembrokeshire who could benefit from a free dinner on Christmas Day, get in touch on or before December 22. Email [email protected] or call 07792 279108.