A MINI convoy of love brought surprise Yuletide happiness to an elderly couple who have quietly devoted their lives to caring for their autistic grandson.

Unassuming Eileen and Louis Laverty, both aged 80, received a special personal Christmas Wish, thanks to their warm-hearted daughter, Ann Woodhouse.

Mrs Woodhouse sent a touching letter about her remarkable parents to The Oldham Times in response our search for deserving causes to receive a special Christmas wish.

The appeal was backed by community champions Oldham Metro Rotary Club, whose president Jack Wild headed the hush-hush visit to the Laverty’s Moorside home.

And the mission was supported by a dedicated community care team from Tesco which provided a giant, decorated hamper brimming with festive goodies for the stunned couple.

In her letter, Mrs Woodhouse, a nurse at Royal Oldham Hospital maternity unit, outlined the remarkable dedication her parents show to their grandson, Lewis, aged nine.

“They both look after my brother’s son who is autistic,” she said.

“Lewis lost his mother when he was a year old when his mum died, so my mum and dad took him in to look after him. They look after his special needs 24 hours, seven days a week.

“Lewis is very hard work and needs their constant care in feeding and toileting. They do not bother and give up all their time to love and cherish Lewis.”

And, signing off, Mrs Woodhouse asked: “Please could you put a smile on my mum and dad’s faces?”

And the team did just that ...

Dressed in Santa outfits, they arrived in the doorstep of the couple’s home with an illuminated mini Christmas tree to serenade the couple with festive tunes.

Jack said: “It was a privilege and a special moment to be able to deliver the Oldham Times Christmas Wish to such a deserving couple, along with the great Community Care Team from Tesco.

“I'm very proud to represent Oldham Metro Rotary Club in this wholly worthwhile venture and to support the Oldham Times during this festive season.”

He added: “Mr and Mrs Laverty do a wonderful thing in looking after their grandson and I felt humbled by their dedication and loving care towards him.”

The Tesco community team comprised of Greg Barratt from their Greenfield store, Mike Milenko Oldham Extra Tesco, Suzette Wright, Chadderton Tesco and Rose Knipe of Failsworth.

Said Greg: “When we heard of the couple’s marvellous dedication we were delighted to help. It’s the real spirit of Christmas at work in the community.

“Our team had no hesitation in filling the hamper with goodies. And we put a little something extra in for Ann who wrote the letter,” he added.

Said the Lavertys: “We had no idea this was going to happen. The hamper is lovely.”

And daughter Ann added: “My parents faces were a picture ... it’s really made our family Christmas.”