‘Amazing’ kindness boosts charity in donation drive

A group of friends have helped dozens of families escaping abuse and violence in the Black Country – thanks to their donation drive.

Ashley, centre, with friends and fellow fundraisers Robyn Bolton, Abbey Jones, Leanne Murphy and Stephanie Nation

Ashley Redden wanted to make a donation of children’s gifts to a charity this year.

And after she and her friends stumbled across local charity Black Country Women’s Aid, she said the work the organisation had done “touched her heart”.

Black Country Women’s Aid, which is based in West Bromwich, is an independent charity which supports victims of abuse and violence.

Volunteers help more than 9,000 women, children and men every year to escape from violence, cope with trauma and move on with their lives.

Ashley, who lives in Halesowen, said she wanted to do all she could to help.

“Currently they have 57 families with children, aged newborn to 17 years old, who have very little or nothing,” she said.

“We decided to come together and spend some money on getting gifts and toiletries and food to donate to them.

“After a while, we decided to pop a couple of posts on Facebook and Instagram to see if anyone in our friendship groups or followers or local community had anything they could or would be willing to donate.

Ashley Redden and her friends have been 'absolutely blown out of the water' by the kindness and generosity shown over the past couple of weeks.

“We have been absolutely blown out of the water by the kindness and generosity of everyone over the past couple of weeks. The amount of parcels, presents, hampers, toiletries and money we have received in donations is extraordinary.

“It’s amazing to see how the community has come together during such a difficult time – and to see the amazing support that we have received.

“We would like to get the message out there about this charity as they will need support all year round and we will do anything we can to continue to support them.”

Mrs Redden also offered words of thanks to local businesses for their help and support.

She added: “We would like to thank Jade Stanley (Happy Tan Catshill), Ben Robinson (OR property group), Karen Murphy (KSM Bully’s), Dr Sonal Menta (Studley Dental and Implant Clinic) and Greidys Strips and Wings.

“We would also like to thank each and everyone of the local community for all your kind gifts and cash donations.

“As you can imagine, there are too many people to mention, but you haven’t gone unnoticed.

“We are extremely grateful for all your help and without you, none of this would have been possible.”