Schoolgirl's heartbreaking letter to 'ill' Father Christmas' goes viral

A girl has written a heartbreaking letter to Santa after her mum told her that he is too ill to visit this year.

The 10-year-old called Lilly penned the note to Father Christmas and insisted that she'd been good.

But due to her family's struggles, she was told that he won't be visiting her house this year.

It reads: "To Santa, mum told me you are sick this year and you can't come to our house. I hope you get better soon.

The letter, penned by 10-year-old Lilly, speaks of Santa Claus falling ill, making him unable to deliver presents to their home for Christmasplaceholder image
The letter, penned by 10-year-old Lilly, speaks of Santa Claus falling ill, making him unable to deliver presents to their home for Christmas

"I think it would make my brother happy! Love Lilly xx (Age 10). PS. We have been really good."

The letter was shared by Liverpool charity Big Help Project, and aims to reflect the struggles facing families living in poverty over the festive season.

placeholder image
Read More
Lancashire named in top 23 best places to visit for Christmas

It forms part of its 'Dear Santa' campaign, and works to help those living in poverty by providing a range of different services including a food club, debt and welfare advice and employment support.

In a post on Facebook, the charity said: "No child should have to think Santa is poorly and can't bring them presents.

"One in seven children will go without any gifts this Christmas. We are using our campaign 'Dear Santa' to reflect the struggles families living in poverty will face over the festive season. This campaign will highlight five different letters to Santa from children living in poverty, as for many, this time of year is not about festivities but survival."

For more information about the Big Help Project click HERE.

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1886
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice