Good Samaritans band together to help those in need this Christmas

Stephen Bamford, John Shaw and Carly, who has been running the raffles

Cryers Butchers in Littleborough have been helping a fellow Good Samaritan ahead of Christmas.

The Victoria Street butchers has donated hundreds of pounds’ worth of meat to John Shaw, who is known locally for helping the homeless, vulnerable and those in need.

The local butchers – which also helps those in need where possible – was able to donate enough turkey, pork, bacon and sausages to help feed around 150 people after holding a number of raffles.

Stephen Bamford, of Cryers, said: “I help John out every year with meat donations to help feed the homeless because no one should go without a decent meal at Christmas. I can’t even imagine how hard it is and the work John does is excellent. The man is a real-life hero!

“We’ve run some raffles this year and raised enough money to donate lots of meat to provide meals on Christmas Day and beyond. We’ve also donated to Springhill Hospice, help the elderly at Christmas and helped some local struggling families.”

Thanks to the bumper donation, John and other volunteers will be able to provide a Christmas dinner for rough sleepers and homeless people in emergency hostels.

John will be providing meals at the ROC Community Café on Drake Street and at Petrus on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

He said: "I feel blessed to be supported by so many generous people whose generosity helps improve the lives of hundreds of needy people across our community. Thank you for the continued support."

John also recently held a ‘street kitchen’ in Manchester where he fed 150 people dressed as Santa Claus. He has also sent over one hundred children’s presents to adult care and distributed 250 selection boxes, plus giving out rucksacks stuffed with winter warmers, such as sleeping bags, clothing, hats, gloves and handwarmers, for genuine rough sleepers.