Tributes paid to North Wales Superkids founder Margaret

North Wales Superkids founder Margaret Williams MBE died peacefully on October 12, surrounded by her family. She was 74.

Her husband of 52 years Geoff, with whom she lived in Flint, described Margaret as "the most generous person under the sun."

"We met at a dance at the Nova in Prestatyn," he recalled.

"We married in Abergele and we have two children; Becky and Matthew.

"From the first time I met her, I realised how much children meant to her."

Over the years, Margaret cared for and supported children in various roles - including at a residential children's home in Wrexham and as a child support worker for Social Services.

Superkids was formed almost 25 years ago after she took early retirement due to a bad hip.

The organisation started by arranging pantomime trips to Theatr Clwyd, before moving on to the Christmas Toy Appeal which is now so widely known and relied on by families across the region.

The donations initially filled several rooms in Geoff and Margaret's house, but they slowly upgraded the project to a shed - then to their base in Mold.

Since then, the scheme has gone from strength-to-strength with the support of volunteers, whom Margaret dubbed her "elves" - and she became known as "Mrs Christmas."

Margaret Williams (Image: North Wales Superkids)In 2003 North Wales Superkids was awarded a group MBE and in 2014 Margaret was personally awarded an MBE for her work with disadvantaged children and families in North Wales.

Geoff, 77, said: "I held Margaret's hand two weeks ago and told her; don't worry love. Me and Becky and the others will do our best.

"And we will do our best - to keep it going for her.

"I admire Margaret to death for her love of children and what she has done for them.

"I can't think of anyone, and I don't know anyone, who has the dedication she had."

Geoff said he wished to thank the staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital for their treatment of his wife, adding: "Anyone who had anything to do with her treated her with the highest respect.

"I can't fault the nursing she had - they were really good."

Describing Margaret outside of her charity work and efforts to help children, he added: "She was great, the rock of the house.

"She was the one who saw to everything - she had this air of confidence about her and it was the same with Superkids.

"She was a very strong woman, but loving too.

"She was the most generous person under the sun. You couldn't find a kinder person."

Geoff said the details of Margaret's funeral are not yet set, but will be soon.

He said: "We're going to make sure she's buried in her Superkids t-shirt - she hardly ever took it off.

"That's how proud she was of Superkids, and how much it meant to her."

Margaret's brother Tony Flynn, former Mayor of Prestatyn, said: "It was such an honour and privilege to have Margaret as my big sister.

"Margaret was born in Liverpool on June 28, 1949, to Joseph and Kathleen Flynn.

"She lived her life to serve others in a humble and frugal way. 

"She would always say 'No child will go without in our community at Christmas if I have anything to do with it.'

"My earliest memory of Margaret raising money when she was just 12 years old

"She was raising £8 to purchase a pet donkey for Beachwood School in Liverpool where children had special needs.

"Our Aunt was the headmistress."

Speaking of Superkids, he added: "Every year the demand goes up and last year with lots of help from so many she raised around £70,000. 

"Plus all new toys donated which cannot be valued. 

"Pantomime visits, Santa flights, caravan holidays in Pwllheli and around 1,600 Christmas sacks - it always kept Margaret busy.

"My darling sister rest in peace."

Jade Storey, trustee at North Wales Superkids, said: "Margaret was the most selfless person I have ever known.

"She was so well loved by everyone who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

"There are no words to describe how well-thought of she was. She impacted so many lives across North Wales and she has inspired so many.

"I feel so blessed to be able to call her my friend."