Sir – Most of us have enjoyed Christmas with loved ones, warm and with as much as we could possibly eat.

But every winter many vulnerable people in Oxfordshire, mostly elderly, live in fuel poverty which leaves them facing illness and, in the worst cases, death.

Some find they have to choose between heating their homes and buying food or medicines. Others find the cold and darkness puts them off going out, which can lead to increasing social isolation and failure to access necessary services. And this winter has been colder than ever.

The Winter Fuel Payment is the annual benefit which is paid to all eligible older people to keep them warm. For many, this payment is vital, but some are fortunate to be more financially secure and do not need it as much.

In response, Oxfordshire Community Foundation and Oxfordshire Age UK have teamed up to offer a way for those who do not need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate all, or part of it, to those who do. The Oxfordshire Surviving Winter Appeal is raising money that will go to those local charities and community organisations who can reach those most in need of support, and ensure that they can stay warm, well-fed and mobile this winter.

Readers who feel able to can donate online at www.oxfordshire.org, download a poster to advertise the campaign or simply find out more about it.

Please do whatever you can to support the Oxfordshire Surviving Winter Appeal, it could make all the difference to some of Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable residents this winter.

Nicola Blackwood MP, Summertown