MOTHER of four Jo Quinton-Harding is planning another collection for Syrian refugees following the response to a collection at Rudheath.

About 30 people donated clothing and other items for a collection at Shurlach Methodist Church in Shipbrook Road on Saturday, November 7.

The donated items filled a van, which was driven to a collection point in Warrington run by Refugees – Aid From the North West, a group set up to organise aid from the town for Syrian refugees.

“I was nervous about how many people would bring items to the church hall,” said Jo, whose children range in age from two to 10.

“However the response was fantastic, and it goes to show that people care and want to help.

“I decided to organise the collection in Rudheath as I felt it was important to do something to help.

“I imagined how awful it would be for me and my children to be in the same situation as the refugees.

“About 30 people came along, and donated clothing, tinned food, toiletries and bedding.

“The van we used to deliver the items to Warrington was stacked with between 80 and 100 bags and boxes.

“I was really heartened by the response to the collection, and am planning to do another one in the new year.”

Jo was helped by her husband Phil, grandfather Alan Quinton and sister Rachael, Dawn Walsh from Northwich, Anne Briscoe from Winsford, and Andy McDonagh from Winsford, who drove the van.

“I want to thank everyone who helped on the day, as well as Pauline Robins from the church, Lex Auto Lease for donating the van for the day and everyone who donated items,” said Jo.

“There were lots of positive comments from people who brought items, and people asked if I was going to do another collection and how to get in touch with the main collection centre.”

For more details on the group see the Facebook page Refugees – Aid From The North West of England.

Urgently-needed items include in-date canned food, tents, groundsheets, duvets, sanitary pads, baby bottles, plasters, first aid kits and mosquito protection.