Christmas is a time for family, and there was an emotional reunion and a festive lunch for two sisters from Gravesend last week.

Anne Richardson, 90, lives at Watling Court in Gravesend, with sister Mavis, 87, living in a nursing home on the other side of the borough.

The Abbeyfield Kent Society - who run Watling Court - therefore teamed up with fundraising initiative The Wish Appeal to bring them together again after more than two years apart.

Anne was taken to see her sister for a surprise visit by carer Jean Rixson on December 22 and enjoyed a celebratory meal and a long overdue catchup.

“I thought we were going to town to do some shopping but when we drove through Northfleet, I realised we were going somewhere else,” she said.

“When we pulled up at the home I knew where I was and I called Jean a cheeky monkey!”

“We enjoyed catching up on things and I didn’t want to leave Mavis behind but it was a really beautiful thing to have happened and I am very grateful Jean planned this.”

Mavis was similarly delighted by the surprise.

“I haven’t had lunch with my sister for more than two years,” she explained.

“We always used to go about together so it really was a lovely surprise!”

The reunion was the latest in a long line of special treats and memorable moments provided by The Wish Appeal, which relies on donations to continue its work.

Donate to the appeal by visiting justgiving.com/abbeyfieldkent or by texting WISH05 followed by the amount to 70070.