Muriel Poisson, who frequently organises bingo nights and fundraisers for the parish of St John, recently came up with a new way to gather charitable donations.

The idea, inspired by a Christmas film she was watching at the time, was to appeal to parishioners to buy a bauble for £5.

The bauble would then be put on the St John’s Parish Hall Christmas tree whilst the money raised would be given to local charities at the end of the Christmas season.

Muriel managed to raise a total of £930, half of which went to the island’s Christmas Appeal, while the other £465 went to Philip’s Footprints – a charity which supports bereaved parents after the loss of a baby or child, and invests in projects that make pregnancies safer.

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Pictured: Jo Nash, the founder of charity Philip’s Footprints, with Muriel outside St John’s Parish Hall.

Muriel said: “I was surprised at how many people supported us, it’s such a lovely parish with amazing people.”

She said that she and the Constable of St John, Andy Jehan, had decided on the charities together.

Jo Nash, the founder of Philip’s Footprints, said that Muriel’s fundraising efforts was “amazing” and thanked her for them.

She said the money would go toward putting on their regular support sessions as well as some new bereavement training sessions.

“Jersey has a wonderful community, and continue to donate when time are tight,” she said.

Muriel said: “Jo Nash, who runs the charity, gave me a lovely card and told us all about the charity.

“When I organise the bingo later this month, I will take the card and show them all.”

Andy Jehan, Constable of St John, also lauded the parishioner for her fundraising efforts.

He wrote on social media: “Always amazed at people’s generosity as well as the time and effort put in by Muriel and her team.

“Thanks to ALL @Phil_Footprints does some amazing work!”