MUM-of-two Liz was dreading last Christmas. Just months earlier she'd found the courage to escape a violent marriage and move into a Women's Aid refuge in York. "It was a very difficult time," said Liz, whose children are aged eight and two and whose family and friends live miles away. "I couldn't risk going home to my folks for Christmas because that is the first place my ex would look for me.

"I didn't want my children exposed to it all again."

The final straw for Liz came when her husband hurled a glass ashtray at her. This struck her face then ricocheted to their baby daughter's cot where it shattered all over the child.

"I thought 'I can't do this any more. I don't want my baby being brought up like this'," reveals Liz.

"It started with verbal abuse, then he began using his fists. Things got worse after I went to college and got an education and a bit more confidence. He couldn't cope with the fact that I would speak my mind and argue with reason."

The ashtray attack occurred a few months after the family had moved to York.

"When I'd decided I'd had enough and needed to get out, a friend suggested Women's Aid. I moved into the refuge and was there for almost a year before I was re-housed," says Liz.

"I felt really safe there. With no family in the area, it was a place to get support and advice - everything really from help with getting benefits to dealing with solicitors and the council."

Liz admits it was strange at first getting used to life in the hostel.

"I left home when I got married, so I'd never shared with anyone. But there was a common rapport with the other women... we all had different stories but we were all in there for the same reason."

As Christmas approached, though, Liz began to feel guilty about depriving her children of a 'proper Christmas'.

"I didn't have much money, so I knew I wouldn't be able to get my children many presents," she says.

But it proved to be a bumper Christmas for the children - thanks to the generosity of Evening Press readers, who donated a truck load of presents in our annual Toys For Christmas appeal in aid of the York Women's Aid refuge.

Women's Aid workers said the year 2000 appeal broke all records - and hope for an equally generous response from Evening Press readers this Christmas, which is the fifth time we have run the appeal.

"I was really dreading last Christmas," says Liz. "I thought it would be horrendous - but it wasn't.

"We put up lots of Christmas decorations and a tree and made a proper lunch - then the staff gave us presents from 'Father Christmas', which was a big bag full of gifts which must have come from Press readers.

"My son got loads of things he really wanted - including a PlayStation. I don't think he'd ever had so many presents before - it was really magical for him.

"It helped make Christmas seem a bit more normal for all of us. We had a lovely time."

This year, readers can bring some more magic to Christmas day at the refuge by donating good-condition or unused toys and games. Presents are also welcome for mums.

There's no need to wrap gifts, as refuge workers prefer to see what you have donated so they can assign it to the most suitable person. They will wrap all the presents in time for Christmas Eve.

Over the years, gifts have included toys, games, sweets and chocolates. Cards and giftwrap are welcome too.

Anyone wanting to donate should bring their gifts to the front counter at the Evening Press office in Walmgate, York, during office hours, 8.30am-5.30pm.

We will ensure the presents get to the refuge in time to make it a great Christmas.

One year on, Liz and her family are looking forward to Christmas in their new home, safe from harm. But she says she'll never forget the kindness of Press readers who helped bring some festive cheer last year.

"When I left my husband I knew it would be tough and I told myself we'd have to muddle through. But last Christmas I felt that just for one day I didn't have to muddle through.

"It meant so much to all of us. My little boy was so thrilled - the look of delight on his face on Christmas morning can't really be put into words."

York Women's Aid helpline can be reached on 01904 646630, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. There is also a national 24-hour helpline: 08457 023 468.