Bully makes promise to support Sikh Toy Appeal

The footballing hero paid visit to the the Sikh Toy Appeal's Wolverhampton headquarters to help kick-start the campaign.

Manny Johal, project manager, said the appeal had managed to collect thousands of toys on the day. The final total has not yet been revealed.

He said: "The Sikh Toy Appeal had its official launch where the local community came and donated toys.

"We had the mayor, Steve Bull and Suresh of Promise Dreams come down. Together we have collected thousands of toys in one day.

"The launch was amazing. It was good to just be able to say we are going to be working with these guys and it is massive for us to have them on board."

"It was originally my idea, I started it all off and we have just added to it along the way. We are going to do a massive drive over the next three or four weeks.

"We want to try and get 10,000 toys. We are going to be collecting until December 16 and start distributing on 17. Our priority is going to be the whole of Wolverhampton."

The pair were joined by the founder of Wolverhampton charity Promise Dreams, Suresh Bawa, who is one of many teaming up with the appeal to benefit children this Christmas.

Suresh said: "The appeal is important to any child. To have go 10,000 presents go out to a local area is fantastic.

"The logistics of the appeal and the generosity of it, I was so impressed with what they are putting together and it is all very well organised."

It comes after the charity champion and his son Arran climbed with friends Tom Hatton and Neil Taylor, landlord of The Fox at Shipley, up to Everest Base Camp last month.

Suresh and the group scaled 17,600 feet above sea level as part of the 11-day epic journey in a bid to raise funds for Promise Dreams and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The group originally set out to raise £30,000 but with donations made online and in person have now amassed an incredible £42,000 – with the figure still rising.

Suresh said: "It was unbelievable, I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of people. People are still donating and still dropping off money.

"It is just a spectacular that people have given the money. All of that money is going to make a smile on the children's faces. It has far exceeded expectations.

"We have had some very generous donations, we are very fortunate."

• To donate to the Sikh Toy Appeal contact 07958 264178, or email hello@sikhtoyappeal.org.