A FUNDRAISING campaign has raised enough money to buy 500 hampers for families who need it in Warrington.

Inspired by the campaign championed by Manchester United star Marcus Rashford to support families of children who are eligible for free school meals to receive support during the school holidays, fundraising ambassador and High Sherriff of Cheshire, Nick Hopkinson, spearheaded a campaign to develop the support already provided by Warrington Youth Club.

The club has been delivering food hampers to families affected by the impact of lockdown since May.

Mr Hopkinson, who passionately believes that every child should have equal opportunities in life, worked with the team at Warrington Youth Club to launch a fundraising page on Friday evening and 12 hours later enough money has been raised to buy hampers for 500 families from across the town.

The hampers will contain a range of nonperishable foods and staple foods to support families through the half term week, these hampers will be delivered by the Warrington Youth Club team this week.

Dave McNicholl, chief executive of WYC, said: “Food poverty is a term that we hear all to often and we are delighted to be able to support many of the families and children over the half term to ensure that they receive hampers of food. We would like to thank Nick and all of our donors for helping us to help so many children, young people and their families.”

The President of Warrington Youth Club and Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs added: "I am thrilled that so many people have offered their support so quickly to help the families who most need help at this challenging time.

"Everyone should be able to access food and I am proud to be part of this campaign. My thanks in particular to all at Warrington Youth Club who will give of their time to ensure that this food gets to the families who need it most during this half term."

If you are in a position to support this campaign, or would like any more information please contact, info@warringtonyouthclub.co.uk or support the campaign here: http://bit.ly/Foodhampers.

For more information about the charity, please visit www.warringtonyouthclub.co.uk