TV news presenter Lucy Meacock has thrown her support behind our Christmas toy appeal.

The appeal, in its second year, is being run by the Wilmslow Express and the Big Storage group.

Lucy, who is one of Britain’s longest serving news and current affairs presenters, said: “I am delighted to be involved in the toy appeal again this year.

“Last year saw a tremendous response. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Wilmslow Express readers, especially during the difficult times due to the economic climate.

“The children who benefited from the toys donated are some of the most under-privileged and vulnerable children in our community and hopefully Christmas Day was full of much more joy and happiness than it would have been.

“I am hoping that this year we can help raise as many donations, if not more than we did last year.

“I would like to encourage everyone to buy an extra toy to donate to the appeal when out shopping over the next few weeks.

“It really will make a difference to a child or teenager’s Christmas.”

Helena Brailsford, of the Together Trust, which is one of the groups which will help to distribute the presents, said: “Often it’s the people that need it most that go without.

“The appeal will directly help those with behavioural challenges, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

“Each young person in our care has the ability and the right to experience joy, happiness and hope especially at Christmas.”

The appeal is looking for donations of new toys suitable for children from birth to 16 years old.  Look for the buy-one-get-one-free offers, or two-for-ones and the gift doesn’t have to be expensive.

The children the gifts are donated to would not normally receive a present at Christmas if it wasn’t for appeals like this.

A number of charities will benefit from the appeal including the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust who are based in Cheshire and provide holidays and activities for terminally
ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Toys can be dropped off at BiG Storage, Handforth Dean, Earl Road, Stanley Green Industrial Estate, Handforth Dean, SK8 6PT, (just off the A34 near M&S), 0161 486 6000, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 10am to 2pm at the BiG Storage reception or BiG Storage Macclesfield, Fence Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 1LW, (just off the A523 near Tescos), 01625 437 100, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm. Location maps can also be seen at bigstorage.info.