Memory of Edge Hill student Halle lives on with festive hampers for care leavers

One hundred students spending Christmas on campus have received hampers full of festive goodies in memory of Halle O’Brien.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Halle O’Brien CIC has generously donated to Edge Hill University’s Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES), hoping to bring a touch of Christmas cheer at what can be a difficult time.

One of the lucky recipients, Taylor Davies, said: “It was lovely to have received the hamper. It’s really made my Christmas better! The hampers were full of gifts, including chocolate, self-care products and a nice mug to have hot chocolate. 

“Since leaving care, I’ve found the quality of support from authorities can vary, so Edge Hill’s dedication to supporting people with experiences like mine and joining with the Halle O’Brien CIC for this thoughtful, personal gift is just brilliant.”

Halle was in the first year of her English degree at Edge Hill when she contracted Strep A and later developed meningitis. 

Her family established the Community Interest Company in her name in 2020, aiming to improve children and young people’s academic and social development by supporting families with the cost of extracurricular activities. 

Halle’s Hub, a community shop in Litherland, supports many of the CIC’s projects by taking in donations to sell at more affordable prices.

Heather O’Brien, Halle’s mum and co-founder of the company, said: “Working with Edge Hill to treat students who may not get to enjoy a traditional Christmas is something we know Halle would wholly support.

“We take great care in choosing the gifts, packing the hampers with things to keep the students feeling cosy and cared for – gifts we know we’d like to receive!”

Phillippa Dunning, head of student support at Edge Hill, said: “This is the fourth Christmas Edge Hill has been fortunate to team up with Halle’s mum Heather and grandmother June, the founders and driving force behind the Halle O’Brien CIC.

“Many of our students staying in halls don’t have the kind of family support enjoyed by many of their friends and the CIC’s generous donation of these gift hampers lets them know the Edge Hill community is thinking of them over the festive period.

“Our wonderful little elves in Student Services get in the buggies to deliver the hampers around campus and we always look forward to seeing the smiling faces and sharing the joy in Halle’s memory.”

Joanna Ellmore, student support officer, added: “Getting out and about on the hamper deliveries is such a special time of year for us.

“As the team providing dedicated on-course support for these students, we see firsthand the impact these gifts have. Our students always appreciate the care and attention to detail shown when choosing the gifts and packing the hampers. Thanks so much to the family and the CIC, it’s a real pleasure to support this wonderful initiative.”

Edge Hill is committed to supporting students with experience of care and estrangement, helping them achieve in their studies and make the most of university life. The University has been awarded the NNECL Quality Mark, has signed the Care Leaver Covenant and has taken the Stand Alone Pledge for Estranged Students.

If you have experience of care or are estranged from family and are considering applying to Edge Hill, visit the Widening Access and Student Success Team webpages. If you are already at the University and want to know what support is available visit the Student Support team webpages.

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