Young footballers help to feed families in crisis

Winsford Diamond Football Club donated more than 19 crates jam packed with food and toiletries to Mid Cheshire Foodbank warehouse on Barlow Drive.

Tins of soup, fish and vegetables, rice, cereals, custard powder, pasta, juice, tea and coffee were among the many items gathered by generous players and their families.

Mum Louise Ashford-Williams, who organised the collection, said: "Food and toiletries were donated by the children and coaches at the club, their families and friends.

"Volunteers at the foodbank were extremely grateful for the donation and explained that they have seen a huge increase in demand.

"This is partly because of the school holidays and the fact that families who depend on breakfast clubs and free school meals do not have this available to them while the schools are closed.

"I hope to organise another collection by the football club before the end of the year."

Louise's sons Winsford Diamond football players Jack Beckett, 12, and Theo Williams, seven, helped to collect and sort the donations.

The boys handed over the items to Rodger Spurling, manager of Mid Cheshire Foodbank warehouse.

In the past week alone, the foodbank has fed 76 people, including 37 children. Over the past 12 months, 6,569 three-day emergency food packs have been given to local families.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank says they are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand over the summer as donations hit a yearly low during the holiday period in August.

Sponge puddings, tinned fruit, pasta sauce and cereal are urgently needed.

Jo Rafferty, manager of Mid Cheshire Foodbank, said: "No one in mid Cheshire should need a foodbank's help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.

"Until we reach a future where foodbanks are no longer needed, we'll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.

"We're dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support."

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Donations can be left at the foodbank warehouse unit 14, The Business Centre, Barlow Drive in Winsford, which is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 12 noon.

Local collection points in Winsford are at All Your Appliances, Asda, Co-op Funeralcare, St Joseph's Catholic Church (during mass).

Money donations are always welcome and will be used to buy supplies. To donate visit justgiving.com/midcheshirefoodbank.