Eagles players help to show Christmas is for sharing

The third annual Home Alone at Christmas event was founded by Sheffield housewife Gloria Stewart and, this year, was attended by special guests including Sheffield Eagles players, who swapped their sports kit for waiters' uniforms to serve up the Christmas lunch.

Mrs Stewart said: "I hosted the first event three years ago after meeting an elderly woman in hospital who had spent the previous four years alone at Christmas after losing her husband.

"Inspired by her story and aware that many others would be suffering the same ordeal I set about making Christmas special for everyone, with or without family to share it with.

"This event and all of the people involved have become very close to my heart. As a wife and mother of four I am extremely grateful for the things that I have been handed in life, but I know that not everyone has been as lucky."

John Gilburn, managing director at Owlerton Stadium, added: "Like Gloria, we were moved by the idea of supporting those who experience Christmas at home alone. We were delighted to once again host the very worthy event."