TODAY The Bolton News launched its Charity Champions page to shine the spotlight on those making a difference across Bolton.

We want to recognise all of those people who are going above and beyond for the charity of their choice.

We'd love to hear about how you're making a differnece - large or small. If you want to share your achievements and feature in The Bolton News please email our community manager, Simone O'Kane at simone.okane@newsquest.co.uk.

Footie star camps out for young people 

CHARITY champions slept outdoors to support one of Bolton’s charities, set up to support and provide young people with accommodation.
Backup Charity, was founded in 1991 and is the longest running young persons supported housing scheme in Bolton. 
Staff and volunteers support young people aged 16 to 25 years old to prevent homelessness.
Over the bank holiday weekend people slept out in their back gardens and in other locations to raise cash for the charity.
One of them was Port Vale midfielder, Luke Joyce, he camped out from 7pm to 7am to raise awareness of homelessness in the young.
The amount of cash that has been raised will be revealed this week.
All donations will go towards supporting young people and keeping them off the streets. For further information on how you can support Backup Charity visit the charity’s Facebook page or call 01204 520183.

Bolton charity is NICE to the needy

AN appeal has been launched asking people for food, clothes and furniture.
Bolton NICE - Neighbourhood Investment in Community Enterprises currently has 30 volunteers and people are being urged to donate or help out where possible.
Martin McLoughlin, volunteer for NICE said: “We asking for your help again. We are looking for tables and chairs. 
We aim to fit out a soup kitchen cafe eating area for homeless people and families and individuals struggling to survive. 
So if anyone has got any stainless steel kitchens they could donate please do so. Food, furniture and clothes are always needed.”
Volunteers are also needed for NICE.
Martin added: “Working together we can make a real difference to 2peoples lives. It doesn’t matter who gets the credit. 
The important thing is, the person in need gets the help and support to put their lives back on track.
“We are not offering people a handout, we are offering people a hand up.”
If you can help Martin and the team, please text, message or call Bolton NICE charity on 07900535403.

Caring runner going the extra mile

KEEN runner Carly Poole from Bolton is running 5K a day to raise money for Bolton Hospice.
The mum-of-one was nominated by her husband Phil for her focus and dedication in lockdown.
Phil said: “I would like to highlight the amazing effort that my wife is putting on as she works hard all of the time and still manages to run 5K each night.
“Bolton Hospice cared for her mum Alma as she battled cancer and Carly is always finding ways to raise money for the hospice.
“You are a star, Carly.”

Community support for Urban Outreach

A CHARITY boss has thanked the people of Bolton for their amazing kindness during lockdown.
Urban Outreach supports disadvantaged people and regularly distributes food to those in need.
Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach thanked the people of Bolton for their donations.
He said: “We have had a record amount of donations coming through and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you so much to the people of Bolton.
“Large companies and individuals have all made a massive difference and we are truly grateful.
“I have never before felt as much support for our charity and the community has gathered around to make sure that we those in need are being cared for. Thank you.”

Spin class raising cash

DURING lockdown Bolton Spin Class are trying to manage activities that people can take part in at home and raising money for charitable organisations. 
Organisers are asking people taking part in an online spin class to donate just two pounds in return for having a favourite tune played during a class or to donate ten pounds for a full 30 minute session dedicated to the tunes they love.
Last week the money went to the Parkinsons UK charity.
For further information on how to get involved see Bolton Spin Studio on Facebook.