Charlotte Walker, The Leprosy Mission

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Sales of The Leprosy Mission’s Real Advent Calendar have soared following an online storm surrounding a social media post by Rev Daniel French. Supporters as far away as the United States have been contacting the charity to show their support for people affected by leprosy, and their gratitude to the vicar for highlighting their cause.

Rev Daniel French, Anglican priest and London university chaplain, sparked the discussion on X after suggesting that, rather than spending £112 on the Duchess of Sussex’s Advent calendar, people could buy The Real Advent Calendar for £6. Sales of the Real Advent Calendar from The Leprosy Mission Shop not only bring the true meaning of Christmas to life but support people affected by leprosy.

The post prompted a wave of criticism online. But amid the controversy, The Leprosy Mission Shop has received record sales of the Real Advent Calendar, alongside messages of support and encouragement from people across the UK, and even overseas.

The Real Advent Calendar is just £6 and contains Fairtrade Belgian milk chocolate behind every window and a 24-page Christmas story activity booklet taking children on the journey to Bethlehem. Visit theleprosymissionshop.com – every purchase helps people affected by leprosy

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Amanda Norman, Chief Executive of The Leprosy Mission Shop, said:

“We were delighted to see Rev Daniel French champion the Real Advent Calendar and, most importantly, highlight the lives of people affected by leprosy.

“It has been incredibly encouraging to see people respond with such kindness and to hear from supporters as far away as the US who have contacted us because they want to stand alongside people affected by this cruel disease.

“Whatever people may think about Advent calendars, Christmas is ultimately about generosity, compassion and remembering those who are often overlooked. That is exactly what Rev Daniel was seeking to highlight.

“We know the Sussexes are very charity-minded and have supported our work. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was Patron of The Leprosy Mission until her untimely death in 1997, and my Leprosy Mission colleagues have spoken with Prince Harry about our work, for which he has been most supportive.

“We are grateful to Rev Daniel for raising the plight of people affected by leprosy at a time when it can be easy to focus on luxury and celebrity. Behind every Real Advent Calendar is a reminder of the people who are too often marginalised, and of the Christmas message that calls us to reach out to them.”

The Leprosy Mission will be sending Rev Daniel French a Real Advent Calendar as a thank you for highlighting the charity’s lifechanging work.

The Real Advent Calendar costs £6 and includes a Christmas storybook telling the Nativity story, with a chocolate behind each door. Proceeds from sales from The Leprosy Mission Shop support people affected by leprosy (theleprosymissionshop.com)

The Leprosy Mission Shop Chief Executive, Amanda Norman, is pictured with rural health workers in Nepal who have been trained by The Leprosy Mission to spot the early signs of leprosy. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics stops the disease from causing lifelong disability