Tens of thousands of families are suddenly facing a bleak festive season as the UK Christmas hamper firm to which they have paid contributions all year has gone bust.
Customers of Farepak put cash aside in instalments during the year to pay for gifts and hampers .
But on Friday the Swindon -based company told customers their orders would not be honoured.
A spokesman said, "Customers will not receive a refund."
Tammy Newman, 31, of Southwick, West Sussex, lost £900. She said, "I was saving to buy presents for my son and daughter, but that’s all gone now. It’s sickening."
Breast cancer sufferer Eileen Bromley, 69, lost £450 in Basingstoke, Hants. She said, "It’s left a huge hole in my finances."
Customers were due to receive vouchers, presents and hampers in the next few weeks.
But a message on Farepak’s phone line said, "We will not fulfil any orders of hampers, vouchers jewellery etc. Customers will not get a refund."
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