A FAMILY who have brought forward Christmas for a seriously ill dad and his sons is appealing for the community's help to create a festive surprise.

Nikki Lee wants to gather as many people as possible outside her cousin Matthew Sandbrook's home in Warndon to sing Christmas carols tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

Matthew, known as Baby G, was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour and the family have brought Christmas forward so he can make memories with his three sons.

Miss Lee said: "I am asking the Worcestershire community to come together at this heart-breaking time and make not only Matty, but his closest loved ones and children’s last Christmas together truly magical.

READ MORE: What you need to know about tonight's Christmas surprise for ill Warndon dad

"I cannot do this alone I need some community spirit - let’s drop a whole load of Christmas magic on their doorstep and make this day mean more then ever.

"My motto throughout has been 'I want to make it a day that makes a difference'."

She has asked people to help keep the surprise from Matthew and invited people to gather on the green near Rodborough Close from 5.45pm before the singing starts at 6pm.

The family will be holding their own private Christmas celebrations before the surprise is revealed to Matthew.

All the details are being shared on the Facebook group 'Public Appeal- CAROL SINGING for MATTY 6th October'.

Miss Lee, aged 33, said: "I couldn't let the day pass without doing something and I know how much the community pull together when it's needed.

"I've had some wonderful messages on Facebook so far, I am so humbled by people's response - it restores your faith in humanity.

"One thing we do ask is that my cousin is very vulnerable so please do not approach the family."

People will sing Stand By Me by Ben E King, a song that is very special to the family, before moving on to Christmas classics such as Deck the Halls, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Winter Wonderland.

Miss Lee has been busy collecting presents for the children and said they would welcome donations of gifts and sweets.

"It is going to be Matty's final Christmas with his children and he's not going to be well enough to go present shopping.

"I've been in touch with toy shops in Worcester who are getting back to me and Co-op in St John's has donated selection boxes and food that doesn't have to be cooked.

"Someone else has offered us the use of their snow machine and the neighbours are helping us with that.

"Our hearts are so full at the moment - I'm hoping it's going to be phenomenal."

Gifts can be left at the end of the driveway but the family ask people not to approach them or Matthew.

Alternatively, email catherine.phillips@newsquest.co.uk or contact Miss Lee via the Facebook group.

Where the family are asking people to gather:

Worcester News: