THE founder of a Northwich charity has moved to thank the community after they answered her rallying call to donate thousands of pounds worth of items for Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Billie Pickstock established Northwich Community Support (NCS) just over a year ago and the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.
A group of volunteers descended on Alder Hey over the weekend to donate more than £10,000 of items, including baby care products and emergency items for parents.
Billie explained how the hospital is a facility very much close to her heart and said how important it was to provide items that could help alleviate some of the stress of having a child in hospital.
She said: "We originally started off as NCS about 12 months ago.
"Alder Hey is very personal to me and I've been involved in fundraising events in the past to help a local boy being treated there.
"And he still goes to Alder Hey for treatment.
"So it just made me think, that when your child's ill, you don't think about packing a bag.
"We know that hospitals struggle a bit too, as people are supposed to supply their own things."
Billie and her grand daughter Nesta joined in with the delivery
The organisation was joined by Cleaning Force, Don Perfecto, Layers Treats, The Car Finance and town councillor Lee Siddall in the massive task to deliver all the items.
Billie added: "It was things like baby lotion, barrier cream, nappies and baby wipes.
"Essentially it's a case of making sure families have the basics, so there are items for the parents too, such as toiletries, clothing and some other luxury items.
"If nothing else, people are able to get a shower and have some fresh clothes to change into.
"Overall, I guess it's about taking the stress from Alder Hey in providing these things for people."
Billie was joined for the big drop-off by the youngest member of NCS, her four-year-old grand daughter Nesta.
"She loves putting eggs in cartons when we get the big boxes of eggs," she added.
"That's her regular Saturday job.
"I just want to say a massive thanks to the local businesses for supporting us.
"And the local community too for donating all these goods.
"Alder Hey were astounded at the amount that arrived and their representative, Irene Axon, will be forwarding items to other support services, including Ronald McDonald House."
Trustee and Chair of the charity, Lee Burstow said: "When panic hits that your child is being transferred to Alder Hey, the last thing you think of is going home and packing a bag.
"Instinct is to stay with your loved one.
"We have supplied the products for emergency packages for parents to try and alleviate one little worry.
The items donated included feminine hygiene, toiletries, new clothing, along with some luxury items.
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