CHILDREN have been writing their lists to Santa but for two Workington babies, Christmas came early when they got a safe home and a new family.

Laura Todhunter, as a single mother, is having to cope with all the anxieties many are facing with rising prices, exorbitant energy costs and rampant inflation.

She was living alone with her daughter, Faith, when her niece, Georgia, now two, was taken into care.

"My sister, Georgia's mother, was unable to care for her. I was determined that she would not be going into the care system and fought for a year to get full guardianship," laura said.

But that was not the end of the story. A second baby, Ella, was also removed.

"There was 13 months between the two and because Georgia was already with me, getting the baby was not such a battle."

In fact Friday was a red letter day for the family. That was Laura's last day in court when she would be given official guardianship of Ella.

It is only a formality, though.

"We are already a family and they fit in so well that you feel as though they were meant to be here all along."

Laura said raising three children instead of one would be challenging, "but as long as they are fed, warm and safe they will be okay - and I will give them all those things."

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It has been an adjustment, too, for her own daughter Faith, aged 7.

"It has always just been us but now she has two sisters. I have been so proud of the way she has coped. She is a fantastic big sister."

Like children everywhere, Faith is looking forward to Santa's visit.The younger two are not quite as aware yet, although the Elf on the Shelf did spot Georgia trying to throw a Christmas tree across the room - and she is aware enough to know that Santa would not like that.

"She's got a good throw! She can throw well."

Laura already has the gift she needs - the support of friends and family.

She will be spending this Christmas with sister Shannon and her family along with her grandfather and her father, who has just returned from Australia.

And if she had a wish for Christmas and the New Year: "Just that my family and friends are all safe and well."

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