YMCA Warrington welcomed Lisa Appleton with open arms in 2012 when the former Big Brother contestant hit 'rock bottom' and had nowhere to turn.

But four years on, with the charity at risk of closure, the 48-year-old, who is living off Winwick Road, is keen to express her gratitude after joining the ongoing fundraising mission.

Lisa made her way to the charity, which is based on Winmarleigh Street, on Friday to speak to volunteers about the challenges ahead.

The mum-of-one was left homeless and without a penny in 2012 when she fell victim to a conman.

Her career is on the rise again but she admits the prospect of the YMCA closing has frightened her.

She said: "I had nothing in October 2012 after being conned and was left homeless.

"It was freezing at that time and I went to the YMCA and they were amazing, they supported me so much.

"The shelter there just gave me something else. I was at rock bottom and needed to rebuild my life – the YMCA allowed me to that.

"It could happen to anybody. It may due a relationship going wrong or being made redundant – in my case, it was due to being conned and the stress.

"One minute I was on the red carpet and the next I was in the YMCA – that is life.

"Lots of people go to the YMCA and in the plus-160 years it has been open it has saved thousands of lives.

"Where will everyone go if that is not here? It provides great support and has amazing people there, it gives you the boost that you need."

The former Lymm High School pupil is on a mission to get residents around the town involved in the charity's fundraising project.

She said: "We are filming people singing the YMCA song and want people to get involved by doing it too.

"It will be like the ice bucket challenge and I think it will go viral.

"We need people to donate, even if it is just one pound or two – that will still help."

Lisa, who appeared on Channel 5 show Celebs on Benefits: Fame to Claim last year, said she still gets recognised by residents in the town following her stint on the reality show.

And she admits she is looking forward to the year ahead.

"My life is slowly getting better now – I have an agent and am working on my book and have a publisher on board," she added.

"I have been working on the book for 12 months – it will be about my challenges and also talks about the YMCA."

Businessman Dave Francis also made his way to the YMCA last week and spoke to Lisa, centre manager Susan Blyth and campaigner Karen Blenkinsop about the importance of the organisation.

Mr Francis, owner of DGF Electrical Wholesalers, has bought a piece of art created by the town's mysterious urban artist, who is known as Vike, for £150 after it was donated to the YMCA.

It will be on display at the firm's site, on Priestley Street.