OUR Shuttle Run appeal is racing towards its £10,000 goal to fund a new van to help support Wyre Forest's homeless.

The fundraising campaign with local homeless charity HELP is back on the road and - thanks to generous donations from readers - has now surpassed the £3,000 milestone.

And with more people in need of help due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, the work of HELP's volunteers is now more important than ever.

Charity founder Dave Griffin said: "We know times are hard for everybody and we’re so glad that people are starting to give generously again.

"We’re still giving out 60 plus meals per day, three days per week and we are just desperate for this van to get around and collect the food donations we need.

"Right now we're needing bigger amounts of food and it's just not possible for our volunteers to do in their own cars."

Could you, your school, workplace or community group hold a fundraising event for The Shuttle Run appeal? It could be a marathon in your back garden, an online fundraiser or a socially-distanced group challenge.

We'll be running stories in the paper each week as we get closer to our fundraising target. Email emily.collis@newsquest.co.uk and let us know how you’re supporting the appeal!

Donations can be made online via our new fundraising page justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-shuttle-run-homeless-van-appeal.

Cheques can be sent to Kidderminster Shuttle, Second Floor, Copthall House, 1 New Road, Stourbridge DY8 1PH. Make them payable to HELP and write SHUTTLE RUN on the back.

Bank transfers should go to HELP, Lloyds Bank, account number 38430260, sort code 30-91-91.