THREE intrepid mums journeyed across the world to help those hit by one of the worst cyclones on record.

Maria Oprea, Lourdes Woods and Louise Jacobs, from volunteer project The Smile of Hope, travelled from Bolton to Mozambique to provide toys for children caught up in the devastating storm.

Cyclone Idai struck the east coast of Africa in March, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving countless others missing or injured - it was the deadliest cyclone to ever hit the region.

Following the catastrophic storm, volunteers from The Smile of Hope planned to take supplies out to Mozambique, for which the group already provides supplies.

However, it was decided that the best gift would be to bring toys for the many children affected by the cyclone. The group took donations from individuals and groups across Bolton and was able to provide thousands of items for families in Mozambique.

“We had so many people on board, it was overwhelming,” said Mrs Jacobs.

“The number of things that came in from Bolton and from all around the country was fantastic. We had a 40-foot container and it was rammed full. The generosity was amazing.”

The journey was a difficult one for the Smile of Hope group, especially Mrs Oprea, who was left bed-ridden by Malaria, but they plan to keep helping the people of Mozambique.

Mrs Jacobs said: “We’re three mums who care about community and community is the same across the world. We wanted to show that we care about the community out there as much as here.

“Those children are our next generation and we want them to know that there are people out there who empathy for them.

“There was one woman who we went to visit and she showed us where her house would have been. It was rubble.

“She had eight children of her own and three of her sisters who had passed away.

“It was heartbreaking, they were living in a tent. But the woman was completely sure that God would help her and that more people like us would come so we have to keep providing.”

She added: “It’s got to be continuous. These things have to happen over and over again. Taking supplies or food is a temporary fix and we need to give the people out there more. Things like tools, seeds or the skills to start growing their own food are what is needed.”

To donate to their cause, visit: www.thesmileofhope.org.