"Wonderfully generous" HMS Sultan Royal Navy sailors donate Christmas presents to struggling Gosport families

Personnel at HMS Sultan in Military Road have given generous donations to the Jacobs Well Care Centre following a successful Christmas Toy Drive. Personnel and trainees throughout the establishment filled boxes with presents, including new and nearly new toys, books, and puzzles.

The aim is to support residents facing hardship over the festive period. Stuart Pottinger, CEO of Jacobs Well, said: “We're incredibly grateful for these donations from HMS Sultan. It's wonderfully generous. People really come together when support is needed most, and Christmas holds such special meaning, particularly for children. These toys will make a real difference – it's brilliant."

Established in 1992, the Jacobs Well Care Centre originally focused on alleviating poverty in Romania. The charity shifted its focus in 2010 to serve the local Gosport community and now provides affordable furniture, operates a foodbank and runs a coat and school uniform exchange. The organisation previously set up a convoy to donate humanitarian aid for Ukraine in 2022.

The HMS Sultan Toy Drive was coordinated by HMS Sultan Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Marty Wallace, Establishment Admin Assistant, Jessica Leslie and Aggie's Chaplaincy Support Workers, Rebecca Baird and Iain Whitehead.

WO1 Wallace said: "Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can present real challenges for those experiencing difficulties. The response to the Toy Drive at Sultan has been incredible, we've been amazed by the generosity of some donations. We're delighted to help Jacobs Well share some festive joy and magic, particularly with families who need it most."