Tayamina ‘Tay’ Aston-Blunt, 32, is producing personal care parcels this Christmas to help those in Clifton struggling amidst the cost-of-living crisis – despite her own battle with her health.
Since initially starting Paul’s Packages in 2020, the mother-of-one, has produced over 200 parcels – each containing a range of essential toiletries such as deodorant, soap and toothpaste.
The self-care packages are to be distributed to vulnerable people and families in the Clifton community at the local Santa’s trail on Sunday, December 18th.
“This year, more than ever, it is important to remember that every little helps” Tay, who is a shop assistant, explained, “the cost-of-living crisis is meaning more people than ever are finding things tough.”
“Paul’s Packages all started when I was furloughed due to being high-risk, I was fortunate enough to get my full pay check but others were not, and so I started creating care packages for those who would benefit from them.”
“After my dad passed in December 2020 – it inspired me to carry on in his legacy – hence the name – and it’s been a Christmas tradition ever since.”
Tay wraps each parcel in Christmas paper, with a remembrance sticker of her late father, Paul Aston.
“He always showed me love and affection – and taught me to show others the same.”
When asked why the parcels contain toiletries over other essential items, she explained: “keeping clean and feeling fresh is so important to feeling your best – I wanted to make sure people had access to suitable hygiene products.”
“It also means that the money people would’ve spent on toiletries can be spent on other necessities – such as bills or food.”
Tay suffers from several health conditions, which significantly impact her day-to-day life, and is currently undertaking dialysis three times a week – as well as being a mother to her daughter Izzy, 3.
“It is hard to manage but helping others as much as I can keeps me positive and stops me from entering a dark place.”
Husband Liam Aston Blunt, 33, believes his wife is an inspiration to us all, saying “she is incredible, and the way the community is brought together at Christmas is very much the festive spirit.”
“I’m incredibly proud of her, she is a great role model to Izzy.”
Some of the self-care items are supplied by Tay, but primarily the boxes are made up of donations from the local community.
Tay insists that she “couldn’t do it without help from all the lovely people who provide donations.”
Rob Newton, 42, who is Tay’s manager at Co-Op Wilford, praises her selflessness; “I think what she’s doing is amazing – we as a store try to give as much as we can to help her.”
To donate self-care items, or to find out more about Paul’s Packages, email tayamina_aston@hotmail.co.uk or visit here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075938273092
