Bolton Wanderers fan needs your help to store donations to Africa

Vince Hankinson, of Atherton, has previously completed multiple charity runs to Africa, taking football kits and supplies to those who are in need of them.

The Bolton News featured Vince’s last trip to Jarjeer Mule and Donkey Refuge in Morocco, which he undertook with fellow Atherton resident Mark Riley, alongside their friend Bev Lord, from Shaw.

Those who donated and the owners of the donkey sanctuary. L-R: Mark Riley, Charles Hantom, Susan Machin, Bev Lord, Vince Hankinson and Tom, the London taxi driver (Image: Bev Lord)

Since the article was posted, hundreds of items of new and quality clothing have been donated.

Piles of donated clothes (Image: UGC)

He will not be returning to Africa until later this year and he and his friends are now running out of space to keep the clothing.

Although other people travelling to Africa may be able to take supplies before Vince next heads over, a significant number of items will still need to be stored elsewhere in the meantime.

Vince said: "We have been blown away by the response since the last trip was featured in the local paper.

Children wearing donated uniforms (Image: UGC)

“We want to thank the local football clubs for their kits and the suppliers of the school uniforms we have been given. The impact of these items on those in poorer communities is tremendous.

“If we can find some storage to keep the donated clothes in perfect condition it would really make difference. We never want to be in a position of having to refuse clothes and equipment and would appreciate any help in securing some safe space.”

Vince and his friends have been taking the kits to Africa for years, having been successful in reaching remote towns and villages with kits and clothing.

Piles of donated clothes (Image: UGC)

Some of the vehicles used for the runs have been donated to Vince, even being left for the local community at the end, with one of them even delivering malaria vaccines to this day.

Their next trip will see them return to Morocco, including providing further supplies to the donkey sanctuary.

Anyone who wants to help can contact Vince on: vincehankinson@hotmail.com.