MFRS officers take the plunge in support of Wirral domestic abuse charity

CHIEF Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and other Senior Officers, from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service made a splash, on Sunday 22 November 2020, in New Brighton's Marine Lake to show support for male domestic abuse charity The Paul Lavelle Foundation. 1 of MFRS' fire engines, based at Wallasey Fire Station, has also been rebranded to highlight the charity which was set up after the tragic loss of Wirral man Paul Lavelle who died in a domestic abuse incident in 2017. The MFRS officers took the plunge in the lake's chilly waters alongside charity supporters. Paul's family and friends, who came along to watch the swim, created the foundation to raise awareness of male domestic abuse.

MFRS Group Manager Mark Thomas said:- "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be associated with the foundation, which is active in promoting health and sport as an enabler to better understanding of male domestic abuse. The foundation is well respected and contributes to a wider community safety message, making a real difference in the local community and beyond."

The organisation has quickly amassed support. Indeed, its office was opened in February 2019, by Paul's mother Barbara Lavelle and former Wales and Everton Goalkeeping legend Neville Southall. GM Thomas added:- "Our fire engine based at Wallasey is now emblazoned with details of how to contact the foundation for support and this will be seen on the streets of Wirral, raising awareness on a daily basis."

The charity, which was registered in 2018, raises awareness through sports and outdoor activities. Victims and survivors of male domestic abuse victims receive support and relationship education is provided as a preventative measure. For more information about the foundation, visit:- PaulLavelleFoundation.Co.UK.

Festive joy needed more than ever for Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal

SEFTON'S Mayor, Cllr June Burns, is urging as many people as possible to help spread a little festive joy with this year's Christmas Toy Appeal. Each year thousands of toys, gifts and stocking fillers are lovingly donated by kind hearted residents, Sefton Council staff, partners and community groups to put a smile on the faces of Sefton's children. After a year quite like no other, there will be many families across the Borough who will receive gifts that will make all the difference and bring them some Christmas cheer. Due to the current national COVID restrictions in place, the safety of Sefton's communities is a priority. However, donations can still be made in the following ways:-

► Purchased online and sent to the following delivery address:- Sefton Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal, Town Hall, Oriel Road, Bootle L20 7AE, or dropped off at the in store donation point at Asda Central 12, in Southport.

► All gift donations, which must be brand new and unwrapped, are gratefully appreciated. Presents could include toys, pyjamas, slippers and hat & scarf sets for children of all ages.

► Donations of gift cards and toiletries are especially welcome for older children and teenagers.

► People need to send their donations by Tuesday, 22 December 2020, in time to be sent out for Christmas Day.

This year monetary donations can also be made on Sefton's Crowd Funding Platform, donations can be for as little as ₤2, and all contributions will be used to buy gifts for the Toy appeal. Donations can be made online up until Tuesday, 1 December 2020, on:- Sefton.Gov.UK. Volunteers from Sefton Council, following COVID guidelines, will then distribute all presents to children and young people, throughout the Borough on behalf of the Mayor.

Cllr Burns said:- "I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Sefton during the 2019's appeal and every year we see thousands of donations given to the annual Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal. We can all empathise with one another that 2020 has thrown a lot our way, and Christmas will feel very different for us all. So, this year it's more important than ever for us to give what we can for others. People might not realise that a small gesture could go a long way to making this year special for Sefton's children and families. We're looking for donations for all ages, be that babies right through to teenagers, and we ask that gifts are new and unwrapped so that the right gift can be shared with the right child. We also welcome gift vouchers and smaller stocking fillers as well. We've seen incredible gestures of kindness and self-sacrifice right throughout the health crisis, and I know that we can count on our communities across Sefton to pull together once again this Christmas. I urge as many people as possible to get involved and donate a present!"

For further information on the Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal call or text the Mayor's Office:- 07837 863075 or visit:- Sefton.Gov.UK.

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MFRS officers take the plunge in support of Wirral domestic abuse charity

Festive joy needed more than ever for Mayor's Christmas Toy Appeal