Thank you to everyone who has been part of Ashley’s Birthday Bank this year, whether you’ve donated items, bought raffle tickets, manned stalls, attended our events, donated money, held fundraising events for us, been one of our amazing volunteers, or watched our progress with interest. We thank each and every one of you, and hope you continue to support us during 2017. We have heard of many sad situations in our local area, but with your help, we have been able to put a smile on a face, lift someone’s spirits, put food in hungry stomachs, gift a child on their Birthday and at Christmas and clothe deprived families. Poverty and domestic violence has unfortunately had a huge impact on the families we have helped. We will continue to support all these families. Happy New Year to you all

We would like to say a huge thank you to Wave 105 Mission Christmas Appeal for including us in their event again this year. We received hundreds of presents which enabled us to provide gifts for over 600 children this Christmas. We couldn’t do this without the support of Wave 105 and all their listeners. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who have donated time, money and items to us, which have enabled us to help hundreds of local families in need. Whether it be clothing and nappies for a baby who’s mother has escaped domestic violence, a microwave for a mother of 4 young children in a B&B who had no way of heating their food, or birthday presents and a cake for a young girl who’s parents are struggling financially and have mental health needs. We have been there for them all, thanks to you. A special thanks to our lovely volunteers, who will move into 2017 with us, with fresh ideas, continued fundraising and much needed support. We couldn’t have done any of this with without all your help, and we would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Anna, Lynn & Danielle

We received a message from Social Services last night asking if we could help a family of 5 who were only going to have pasta for Christmas Dinner. Within the hour, a Christmas Food shop was ordered, which will ensure they get the Christmas Dinner they deserve, and 2 gifts were wrapped and tagged for each child (one of which was also having a birthday over Christmas). This is why we do what we do.

This afternoon we were asked by a local Children’s Centre if we could provide a microwave to a young mum in a B&B who is unable to provide hot food for her 3 young children (up until today they were getting a hot meal at school). We have ordered a microwave this evening for delivery direct to mum tomorrow