A charity has been overwhelmed by support after it widened its campaign to help others.
Ali Jones, of Linthwaite holiday respite provider to sick children Ruddi’s Retreat, thanked people for their generosity after she launched a Facebook project to bring cheer to lonely and elderly people this Christmas.
So far over 150 donations have been made to the Ruddi’s Reindeers Appeal, which was set up to encourage people to donate a box of biscuits or chocolates that could be given out to nearby homes and groups.
Ali, mother of Ruddi Waterworth-Jones who beat a rare type of cancer, said she was moved to extend support for sick children and their families to other local people in need.
She said: “The support has been overwhelming.
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“I only set up the Facebook page a couple of weeks ago and people have just kept sending donations.
“I just decided I wanted to bring some cheer to more local people this Christmas through our charity and thought this would be a good way.
“There are several groups and organisations who will benefit from these donations in Linthwaite.
“We will hand some out to members of Linthwaite’s Joy Club, who bring together lonely, older people on December 15.
“Then we have a list of around eight care homes, some of whom have asked for Ruddi to present the boxes to residents.”
Ruddi’s Retreat is still taking donations, which can be dropped off at the charity’s tea rooms on Manchester Road.
Ali and her team has also planned to help more lonely people this Christmas.
“We will be hosting a Christmas party at our retreat for a supported housing scheme to try help as many people that we can.”
