Marie Curtis sends heartfelt Christmas Day message to the Portsmouth family

The warm-hearted mum of Blues winger Ronan Curtis is unable to spend Christmas Day with her son this year.

With Portsmouth placed in tier four coronavirus restrictions, Marie and husband David will stay in their Republic of Ireland home.

Meanwhile, Curtis and the rest of his Pompey team-mates will be forced to self-isolate today, after five players tested positive for Covid-19.

The pandemic has meant it’s been a difficult year for everyone, with families across the area now unable to see loved ones this Christmas.

Marie, who's become somewhat of a cult figure among the Fratton faithful on Twitter, has thanked supporters for embracing their son since he arrived from Derry City in June 2018.

And she's hoping everyone can enjoy their day as much as they can – and stay safe.

Marie said: ‘To Portsmouth’s families, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and stay safe and well. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for all of us.

‘Thank you to the Pompey family for taking my son into your hearts and homes. You have truly made us very welcome and I appreciate all your lovely messages on Twitter.

‘From our house to yours, please stay safe and well. Portsmouth came through the war and we can all come through this.

‘For the people who lost loved ones, please stay strong. A link may be broken but the chain will be put back together when we all meet again.

‘We were looking forward to having our usual Christmas dinner with all the family which we have done for years but it’s only David and I now.

‘I normally have 30-plus so it’s going to be harder to cook for two - when you’ve had 11 children you get used to it.

‘I do all the cooking make all the desserts but I won’t do the washing up – the kids do that!

‘Usually, we go to midnight mass, come home for a homemade soup then my grandchildren go off to bed. That's when the presents come out of their hiding places.

‘It’s going to be a very quiet one but it’s keeping people safe, we’re all OK and we have to do it. God help the people who don’t have anyone to call and see if they're okay - my heart goes out to them as it must be very lonely.

‘I’m very grateful and privileged to have the children I have always. Ronan phones in the morning or the night to check up on us.

‘I don’t bear thinking about the poor families that have nothing. If you are lucky enough and can afford it while out shopping, put an extra tin or box in your basket for the foodbank.

‘As a family, we take a sticker from the chapel with a boy’s and girl’s age on it go buy a toy for the Good Samaritans to deliver to the less fortunate children. My children have carried on the tradition that my own mum did. To see the smiling faces of my grandchildren handing over the gifts is amazing and they will do someone a good turn when they’re older.

‘Merry Christmas and, please Lord, make 2021 a better year for one and all. God bless you all and keep safe.’