A MOTHER who spent last Christmas in Weymouth’s women’s refuge has expressed her thanks to those who donated generously in last year’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Zita Zimbalatti, 22, found herself in a position where she had to move into the refuge in November last year, just a month before Christmas day.

Her son, Marley, was five months old at the time and she said the hardest part of being there over the festive season was the fact that it was her child’s first Christmas.

Miss Zimbalatti said the staff at the refuge made the five months she spent there as comfortable as possible, but the toys she received for her son from the Echo’s appeal made a huge difference.

Marley received a giraffe game, an Iggle Piggle soft toy and a music player, all of which she still has.

Zita said: “The toys Marley received made a tremendous difference because they made him happy, and seeing him enjoying himself made me happy.

“It really helped me to put aside my problems and enjoy Christmas Day.

“I am so grateful for the donations we received and I’d really urge people to give generously.

“It doesn’t matter what it is that you give, it is the thought that counts and there will be someone to appreciate it.”

Now Zita is back on her feet living in a flat with her now 22-month-old son in Bridport.

She said that this year she is in a position to donate herself and she knows just how much of a difference it will make.

A MOTHER who spent last Christmas in Weymouth’s women’s refuge has expressed her thanks to those who donated generously in last year’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Zita Zimbalatti, 22, found herself in a position where she had to move into the refuge in November last year, just a month before Christmas day.

Her son, Marley, was five months old at the time and she said the hardest part of being there over the festive season was the fact that it was her child’s first Christmas.

Miss Zimbalatti said the staff at the refuge made the five months she spent there as comfortable as possible, but the toys she received for her son from the Echo’s appeal made a huge difference.

Marley received a giraffe game, an Iggle Piggle soft toy and a music player, all of which she still has.

Zita said: “The toys Marley received made a tremendous difference because they made him happy, and seeing him enjoying himself made me happy.

“It really helped me to put aside my problems and enjoy Christmas Day.

“I am so grateful for the donations we received and I’d really urge people to give generously.

“It doesn’t matter what it is that you give, it is the thought that counts and there will be someone to appreciate it.”

Now Zita is back on her feet living in a flat with her now 22-month-old son in Bridport.

She said that this year she is in a position to donate herself and she knows just how much of a difference it will make.