This Grandmother Wants The Homeless And Lonely At Her Dinner Table For Christmas This Year

A kind-hearted grandmother has opened up her Christmas table to the homeless and lonely this year after her grown-up children decided to spend it with their young families.

Sheena Buckley posted an appeal on Facebook to find people who needed a good meal and company during the festive season - and it has now gone viral.

The 47-year-old said she and hubby Craig wanted to do something to rekindle the true spirit of Christmas and opened up her house in Clayton-le-Woods, Lancashire, to the needy.

Health worker Sheena wrote: “We’ve got 4 places at our kitchen table for Christmas dinner so if anyone knows of anyone who is homeless, desperate or alone this year please message me, this also applies to families who don’t want their children to miss out on Christmas x.”

Now thousands have shared her post, which Sheena described as “overwhelming”.

She said: "At the end of the day, the Christmas story is essentially about two homeless people with a baby looking for some shelter.

Festive feast: Sheena is opening up her home to strangers for Christmas (Caters)

"I don’t see inviting strangers in as a problem. I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary. I’m a Christian, although I don’t go to church anymore.

"Craig doesn’t use Facebook so when I told him there were more than 1,000 people talking about it, he couldn’t believe it.”

She added: "Christmas is such a special time of year and I was brought up to always look out for others.”

Both Sheena and Craig suffered bereavements this year which nearly made them cancel Christmas - but realised they could give something back.

Sheen explained: “I love cooking and it’ll be nice to offer these people some company and a good meal.

"I’d rather do this than spend hundreds of pounds of presents.”

The couple are now planning on preparing dinner - with all the trimmings - for four undecided strangers.

Top pic: Caters