Shaun Wallace is coming back to help our appeal

BRAIN box Shaun Wallace has had a testing year in the hot seat on the nation’s favourite TV quiz show.

But The Chase star can relax in the knowledge he will be the one asking the questions at the New Journal Hamper Fund pub quiz this year.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Mr Wallace, the host of the annual quiz at the Sheephaven Bay pub in Mornington Crescent. “It’s certainly one of my favourite nights of the year.”

Raffle tickets are already on sale with a host of top prizes expected as usual on the night, December 11 from 7.30pm, which raises thousands of pounds each year for those most in need in Camden.

The Sheephaven Bay quiz has raised more than £100,000 over the years for the New Journal Hamper Fund. It wouldn’t happen without the pub’s legendary landlord Pat Logue, who never fails to organise the fun-packed night every year.

With just 40 sleeps to go until the big day, festive lights have already gone up all over Camden. Soon the merry jingles will be blaring out on the supermarket loudspeakers and awkward schools kids will be stepping out on stages in their end-of-year shows. And we will be bombarded by the annual narrative – spending as much money as possible is the best way to show you care about your loved ones.

But not everyone gets a gift at Christmas, let alone has someone to buy one for. Not everyone has a child or grandchild to clap along in the school play.

There are many people who feel more alone than ever at this time of year. Is there an empty chair at the dinner table this year? One less stocking to fill? The day can serve up nothing but a painful reminder of happier times, long gone but not forgotten. With food, electricity and heat so expensive right now, many more people than normal are feeling the pinch.

What better way to spread a bit of cheer at this difficult time than a free hamper packed full of festive grub delivered by New Journal staff to your doorstep.

Picture the bliss a simple basket can bring to someone spending Christmas with just the company of their thoughts. It can be a concrete reminder that they’re not left out in the cold, but cherished members of our community.

Every year readers dig deep and donate thousands of pounds to the New Journal Hamper Appeal, which has been going for almost 40 years.

Every penny received is spent on buying dozens of hampers that we deliver to the people in need. If you know of someone who would benefit from a free hamper delivered to their door, just let us know.

You can donate to the Hamper Fund either by cheque or cash dropped into the office, or by clicking on the button below