THROUGH adversity, the loss of their father and the ups and downs of their mother’s bipolar disorder, the Antal/Morecombe children have been a model of strength and devotion.

Resolved to thank her fantastic four for their love and support and bring them a heavy dose of Christmas cheer after years of struggles, their mum, Louise Morecombe, put them forward for the Christmas Wish.

And cheer they did when Santa surprised Cameron, 14, Mya, 12, Demi, 10, and two-year-old Kenzie bearing wonderful gifts.

Each child received £100 worth of Love to Shop vouchers courtesy of Persimmon. They were also presented with two hampers worth £100.

“My children are my rocks,” said Louise, 31, of the town centre.

“They have been through so much.

“In 2008 my eldest three children lost their dad Chris to cancer; he was 28.

“Life has never been the same. Their dad looked after them more than me because I have bipolar and personality disorder. He was a loving father who lived for his children.

“Since he passed away I have tried to be the best mum but I have only left the house eight times in 19 months.

“My husband Mark is my carer, and I am not able to attend any of my children’s plays or appointments, and they sometimes get upset that everyone has a mum there but not them. It’s almost like they have lost a dad and mum.

“They are such good children, doing well at school. They help to look after me, and never complain. I wanted to give something back to them as a treat.”

The children were puzzled when their mother gave them strict instructions to don their Sunday best because ‘Santa was coming’. But they obliged, and could only apologise for doubting her when Father Christmas turned up at their door as promised.

“She made a joke saying Santa was coming but we didn’t believe her,” said Mya. “We thought we were going out.

“Things have been difficult at times because sometimes she has to go to the doctor, but I love her.”

Cameron said: “My first thought was, ‘What’s going on?’

“This is the most money I’ve been given. My dad passed away and I had a strong relationship with him. I grew up with my mum as my only parent, so we’re close. I love her.”

As selfless as ever, Demi’s thoughts immediately turned to her mother.

“Every year we go Christmas carolling to get money so we can buy mum a present with it,” she said.

“This year I can get her something with this.”

The real Father Christmas was too busy to attend the Wish, so Luke Kaye of Skywalkers dressed as Santa. His impressions of the bearded man sent the children into fits of giggles.

He said: “It was fantastic to see their reaction. What a nice bunch and a polite group of children.”

Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “It is fantastic to be involved once again in the Christmas Wish appeal.

"We hope that by granting these wishes, we can bring some joy to these families at this special time of year.”