Little Stars lights up with £5k from Comic Relief

"When we receive funding from Comic Relief, it makes a huge difference to us," says the founder of a children's charity.

Leanne Simcoe founded Little Stars in Oswestry in July 2020, after she said she saw a need to support families with young children in Shropshire.

Vulnerable families in the county are referred to the charity, which gives out baby parcels, children's clothing, school uniforms, and Christmas presents.

They have benefitted from Comic Relief funding before and, in February, found out they will be given £5,000.

"It's extremely important for us to have that funding; we take a lot of pre-loved [items]. But ultimately we do need to supplement some of it with brand new," said Ms Simcoe.

"New mattresses for the Moses baskets, new mattresses for the cots, then you've also got the stair gates as well for safety in the home and the bottle teats.

"Sometimes we do need to buy nappies and wipes because we don't have enough to get out there."

The charity has donation points around the county and solely relies on monetary donations from the public and securing grants.

Referrals are made through people like doctors, midwives and health visitors.

They also hand out products for parents, like shower gel and period products.

"For a parent that can't afford shower gel for themselves, let alone being able to provide for their child, by us just popping it in the bag… they're able to get a shower and have that dignity."

In 2024, the charity provided essential items to 1,333 children, delivered toiletries to 140 adults, and gave 52 pregnant women maternity packs.

The charity said there had been a 176% increase in the number of children it supported compared to 2023.

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