Mansfield mum's bid to feed the hungry gets an "overwhelming" response

Distressed at hearing some families were struggling to feed their children during the pandemic, a Mansfield mum decided to take action by launching a community food appeal.
By Dale Spridgeon
Published 20th Jan 2021, 14:03 GMT
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Mum-of- two Natalie Gillespie said: “I was upset when I saw the news about families getting free school meal packs. It made me sad to think that some people can’t put put basic food on the table for their kids.”

Natalie, who is a former Mansfield area support worker, lives with children Libby, 14, Freddie, five, and husband Chris Gillespie in Ladybrook.

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"I’m lucky, my family just go to the cupboard, we have plenty. I wanted to do something to help those struggling. I appealed on Facebook for food donations and had an unbelievable, an overwhelming response, so many donations in just a week,” she said.

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Natalie Gillespie and 'Kez' Marriott organisers of the food appealNatalie Gillespie and 'Kez' Marriott organisers of the food appeal
Natalie Gillespie and 'Kez' Marriott organisers of the food appeal

"We’ve had about £1,000 in cash too, to buy food from the cash and carry and Tesco also helped.”

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Natalie has been helped by Kieron ‘Kez’ Marriot and his co worker Alan Robinson, both of KM Plastering, who have also donated help with the deliveries and shopped for groceries.

Natalie, who is shielding, added: “The response has been amazing, we have had everything from pasta, sauces, jars of food, rice, tinned food, baked beans, and crisps. The team effort from Kez and Alan has been brilliant,” she said.

Some of the donated foodSome of the donated food
Some of the donated food
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“We rely on people’s honesty and help anyone in difficulty. They might be on furlough, a tight budget, or it might be an elderly neighbour who is struggling. They can just contact me on Facebook. We've also donated to the Trussell Trust food bank in Mansfield Woodhouse, the Salvation Army and Ladybrook Enterprises.

“Messages are still coming in, people are coming forward for help, which is great, as I have lots still to donate. People need to know that's it's OK to ask for help, there are nice people in the world to support them.”

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Among cash donated from businesses was Rodd Safe, who gave £750, and Oakmere Golf Club who donated £160.

Natalie Gillespie and Ian Clarke donating foodNatalie Gillespie and Ian Clarke donating food
Natalie Gillespie and Ian Clarke donating food

Natalie added: “We’ve had people just hand over £50 notes.

"I'm so proud of our community coming together to help those in need during this pandemic. Thank you to everyone who has donated. We are happy to receive more donations, and we ask people contact me on Facebook.”

See: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.purcicoe

Related topics:MansfieldFacebookTesco