A GENEROUS £5,000 donation from an anonymous donor means our Shuttle Run homeless appeal has reached its goal just one week after celebrating the halfway milestone.

The team at Wyre Forest homeless charity HELP were blown away when the donation appeared in their bank account just days after we reported reaching the £5,000 mark last week.

The kind-hearted donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, told The Shuttle: "It is a very worthy cause during these difficult times. Well done to The Shuttle, the fundraisers and to those who have donated.

"Thank you to the HELP team for the work which they do. I have been very pleased to make a contribution."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shuttle editor Stephanie Preece (front left) presenting a cheque for £10,000 to the team at HELPShuttle editor Stephanie Preece (front left) presenting a cheque for £10,000 to the team at HELP

As well as providing meals for the homeless and people in need, HELP volunteers also offer support to help rough sleepers get off the streets and into accommodation.

Since the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, the charity's services have been called upon to support more people than ever before.

The £10,000 from the Shuttle Run Appeal will allow HELP to buy its own van to collect and deliver more donations for some of the most vulnerable people in Wyre Forest.

Charity founder Dave Griffin said: "It's absolutely fantastic that the appeal has reached the £10,000 target.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The Shuttle Run Appeal launched in February to mark 150 years since the first edition of The Shuttle newspaperThe Shuttle Run Appeal launched in February to mark 150 years since the first edition of The Shuttle newspaper

"When Covid happened, we weren't sure that we would be able to get there, but thanks to The Shuttle and all of the generous people who donated, we've done it.

"It means we can finally get our own van to collect more food donations and also bigger donations such as furniture and household appliances to help people who were homeless who are moving into accommodation.

"I can't thank everyone enough."

HELP trustee Fran Oborski added: "We're completely stunned by everyone's generosity. To our anonymous donor - you are wonderful!"

The Shuttle Run Appeal launched in February to celebrate 150 years since the first edition of The Shuttle newspaper was published.

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Donations have flooded in from generous readers and local groups and businesses have also showed their support. Kidderminster Harriers fans gave £200 during a collection at Aggborough, and Stourport DIY shop Thompson & Parkes held a fundraising car wash to support the campaign.

Any leftover funds from the appeal will go towards purchasing a defibrillator for HELP's mobile food truck, to be used in the local community.

Shuttle editor Stephanie Preece said: "It's absolutely amazing to be able to say we've reached our goal. The team at HELP do so much good work in our communities and we can't think of anyone more deserving of this.

"Thank you so much to our generous readers and everyone who donated towards our appeal."

For more information on HELP or to make a donation towards the charity, search H.E.L.P on Facebook.