By Lucy Chipperfield

DECEMBER is a key time for charities. The season of goodwill means that many people think of those less fortunate than them and are willing to dig deep to help.

The winter whiteouts has wiped out many key collection and campaigning days for charities such as St Luke’s.

YourThurrock caught up with Heather Penny of St Luke’s at a performance of Aladdin at the Towngate theatre to discuss the challenges facing the hospice in a difficult climate.