For nearly two decades, Gloria Stewart, known locally as “Mrs Christmas,” has made sure no one spends the festive season alone by providing a warm meal and great company for hundreds of people.

The ‘Home Alone at Christmas’ event at the Niagara in Sheffield is a chance for people to enjoy regular seasonal activities and entertainment at a time of year that can feel lonely for many.

Mrs Stewart began the tradition in 2007, after an encounter with an elderly lady in a hospital, who was facing Christmas alone following the passing of her husband. 

Mrs Stewart, 76, from Orchard Close, Ecclesfield, said: “It stayed with me, she told me how she was planning to go to bed with biscuits and coffee all alone.”

Despite having no previous experience in organising events, Mrs Stewart arranged for 87 people to enjoy a Christmas dinner and, since then, the annual tradition has grown steadily.

Now, 19 years on, the festive event, which has welcomed as many as 500 people, sees an average of 200 to 300 people attending each year.

“I don’t like turning people away, that’s why it got to that number,” said Mrs Stewart. “People just want a meal or a chat or even a little dance, it means so much to them.”

On top of organising the Christmas get-togethers, Mrs Stewart has visited people in care homes, many of them nearing the end of their life.

She said: “As soon as you walk into the room, they just want to give you their life-story.

“They just want to reminisce, we always give them a hug and a box of chocolates, it’s the least we can do.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Stewart took part in the Archer Project in Sheffield, donating more than 600 items to help those experiencing homelessness.

She also safely distributed almost 400 gift hampers for elderly and vulnerable residents with quiet door-stop deliveries at the height of the pandemic.

Mrs Stewart said: “I don’t have any adverts, I’d rather pay money towards helping people.

“Why should anyone have to pay for what’s normal for so many others?”

In 2024, Mrs Stewart was awarded with the British Empire Medal for her efforts in combatting loneliness over the Christmas period.

This year, she is appealing for donations after years of funding the event out of her own pocket.

Mrs Stewart explained that funding has become increasingly difficult to secure, having to rely on the good nature of others for help.

She said: “If I can just give dinners, entertain, and make a few friends, all is well.

“We welcome volunteers, if anyone is able to send any gifts to the Niagara, where we host the Christmas dinner, that would be wonderful.” 

Anybody who wishes to donate can do so following Mrs Stewart’s GoFundMe link.