A CHARITY supporting poverty-stricken families in Romania has received an outpouring of support and donations as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Bolton-based Good News for Romania (GNfR), run by Kath and Dave Richardson, helps families struggling to cover their basic essentials, providing food, clothing, and toys to people of Barlad, Romania.

The couple have been travelling to the town since 1990, and were heartbroken to have to cancel their annual trip – for just the second time in 30 years.

Mrs Richardson said: "We had all these plans in place – one of the young ladies who we've supported since she was quite young turned 21 this year.

"It was her birthday on the day we were supposed to arrive so we were going to take her out for a nice meal to celebrate which is a shame to miss.

"We've had to cancel quite a few fundraiser too, and a few of us that went on the first trip in August 1990 were supposed to meet this year but we've also had to cancel that."

Coffee mornings, quiz nights, and even a stall hosted by a friend and colleague in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, have all been cancelled because of the pandemic, limiting the charity's income.

The demand for their help hasn't eased however, with six giant parcels of clothes and gifts shipped to families in need in June.

Another family, who were without electricity for over seven years before GNfR installed solar panels near their home, were set to have a water source installed on their land – something which the group has still managed to achieve.

Mrs Richardson added: "It’s been amazing this year, people have been absolutely amazing and they’ve still helped us.

"Although we’ve had no fundraising we still need to provide food and help our families, and we've still been able to do it.

"It's been like that all year, we should have had no income at all but fortunately people have still been giving.

"The fact our supporters have not forgotten about Good News for Romania and the need in the country is wonderful.

"We’re Christian and we just believe God’s good, we’ve been really blessed."

The charity is currently fundraising to help a family which has been hit by tragedy after their house began sliding down a hill.

Part of the structure needs to be demolished and rebuilt, with the work set to cost over £6,000.

Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, the group is now just £600 short of their target, and will be able to pay for the vital repairs.

The group is also preparing to send Christmas gifts, along with new underwear, socks, and tights, to their families in November.

If you would like to donate any suitable items or funds, contact GNfR by emailing davidandkath@hotmail.com or calling 07903 546008.