As I turn 50, help a far more worthy cause than my hangover!

The coronavirus pandemic has led to economic uncertainty for so many, with large numbers of people experiencing vastly reduced or lost income. Food banks have provided a lifeline during this period , indeed the stats say it all - independent food banks saw a rise of 88% users over the period February to October 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

My local food bank, the BAY started in 2012 and has grown in size year on year. By September 2020, it had provided over 32,000 emergency food parcels to users in North Tyneside, equivalent to helping over 70,000 individuals in the local community.

So as I reach the grand old age of 50 on May 18 (I know ... it's hard to believe...), here is my ask. For those of you who are kind enough to be thinking of buying me a bottle of gin or other analgesic substance to mark the occasion, may I suggest a far more worthy cause than contributing to another of my hangovers? Please make a contribution to the BAY Food bank via this page instead, so we can all feel better in the morning!

Cheers, Richard