PICTURES: Appletrees Cafe in Tonge Moor opens its doors to serve up Christmas dinner to homeless

Appletrees Cafe in Tonge Moor threw open its doors this evening to give  this festive season.

A three course festive meal of homemade soup and a traditional Christmas meal was cooked up.

Julia Applegate said: “This is the first time I have done it, I was homeless as a teenager and wanted to do something to help.

“I lived in an ice-cream van and have managed to turn my life around and now want to do something for those who need it.”

She added: “I take over soup most days to Hope 4 Homeless and any food I have."

A dozen or so people, some rough sleepers others who have complex needs, enjoyed a party atmosphere with presents, bought and wrapped by Bolton Lads and Girls Club, being distributed – and advice, if needed, was provided by Hope 4 Homeless.

Ms Applegate and her volunteers starting cooking Christmas dinner in the morning, and ran the cafe as usual until closing.

She said: “I really feel for people in that situation because I was in it and will do anything I can to help.

“We will do it again next year if they want it.”

Ms Applegate, who lives in Tonge Moor, said: “If everyone just gave a little bit, just 50p even, what a better place it would be.”

Representatives from Hope 4 Homeless, volunteers enjoyed a Christmas meal together.

David Bretherton, aged 37, found himself sleeping rough around four months ago after falling into rent arrears.

He said: “This shows that people do care, in the new year I will have somewhere to live.

“But I have had to sleep on the streets. I fell into arrears and the recession has made it difficult.

“It is hard but I am looking forward now and to getting a job.”

“It is embarrassing being homeless,  but people like Julie care and Hope 4 Homeless have made a big difference. They have helped me and lots of people.”

Paul Taylor, aged 47, who lives in Deane, said: “Things like this restore your faith in humanity.

“This is brilliant knowing that people are supporting others.”

Many of the people who came are known to Ms Applegate through Hope 4 Homeless.

Jamilah Rashid, from the organisation, said: “Every credit goes to Julie, she comes everyday with soup , what she is doing is making a difference, some of those who have come will Christmas meal this year.

“Everyone has a different story to tell but all are human beings and are not to be looked down upon.”

Volunteers on the night included Phil Jackson from Deane, who was close to being homeless after the recession hit his business.

He said: “If it was not for the support of my family and friends I would have been sleeping rough.

“It is the worst feeling in the world to know that you could be homeless.

“I have been friends with Julie and volunteered to help, I would have done it anyway but was really keen to help because of my situation – and helping other people also helps me.”

All ages were helping, with Hadiya Riasib, aged 15, being presented with a certificated after raising £331 to help people who are homeless.

Fellow volunteer, Charlotte Grimshaw, aged 23, said: “This is really nice, Christmas is about sharing and not just toys.”