Emotional video in the style of John Lewis Christmas adverts shows Sunderland family come together following difficult 2020

Grandson Jay Collins filmed and edited the emotional one-and-a-half minute video which shows his grandmother Isabelle Charlton receiving a Macbook for Christmas which means she can reunite with family the lockdown has separated her from.

The short film, which is inspired by retailer John Lewis’ annual Christmas advert, also pays tribute to Jay’s grandfather Ronald Charlton who died in June.

Thousands of people have already watched the video on Youtube which is accompanied with the song ‘We’ll meet again’ – as 21-year-old Jay hopes to capture a ray of happiness in such a dark year.

To watch the version with music click here.

The film shows a special delivery – a laptop – being dropped off at the grandmother’s door who then finds her entire family waiting for her on the screen.

After chatting with the whole family, the camera pans out to show a picture of Isabelle with husband of more than 60 years Ronald Charlton with the heartbreaking caption: “Not everyone made it through this year, stay connected to those who have’.

Eighty-eight-year-old Ronald was described as a ‘big figure in his community’.

Jay, who works as a nurse for the NHS, said: “He would help build the playground equipment for the kids at East Herrington Primary School and some benches too.

"Everyone in his local pub knew him and would ask if he could help them with different things.

"Without any hesitation he’d be round with his tool kit the next day.

"He was retired and was really fit and well.

"The first lockdown he was doing OK but he started to deteriorate. He went from 100mph to zero."

The former shipwright died from possible affects asbestos had on his lungs, his family said.

Jay says the video features his sister Hannah Collins and fiance James Murphy, Aunty Sandra and Uncle Col, sister Abbie Corrigan with husband Richie and their daughter Darcie, his parents Terrie and Eddie Collins and cousin Phillipa Lee and her husband Craig.

Although no one is named in the video, except little Darcie, as Jay says he wanted to capture what’s been going on for millions of people this year.

"We filmed it before the second lockdown was even announced. My family and I were all talking about Christmas and how we always have these big Christmas and New Year plans,” said Jay, of Sunderland.

"The John Lewis advert came up and because I make videos I thought I’d give it a go.”

In just under a week, more than 38,000 people have watched the Youtube video.

“I didn’t expect it to take off like it has. It’s just a nice little family video and I’d maybe normally get a couple of comments but in four days it has got more than 24,000 views. For me, for any of my videos to reach that many people is just incredible.

"I’ve had some lovely comments with people saying its brought tears to their eyes.

"I think the message comes across and after the year we’ve had so many people relate to it.”

To watch the video with music click here.

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