Maryport foster carers Lee and Wendy Towers have been overwhelmed at the response to their appeal for toys.

Mrs Towers, 43, said as a foster carer she knows how difficult Christmas can be for many so, at almost the last moment, she began an appeal for toys for fostered and sick children at Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.

She said: “The response has been overwhelming. In less than a month we have 180 new toys to give away. There is something for all age ranges, too, from babies to teenagers. We are so grateful to the generosity of people.”

She said Maryport responded wonderfully but toys came from all over, including from someone in Wales.

She added: “Next year we are going to start the appeal earlier and who knows how much we can get.”

The toys will be given to the county council’s children’s services and to the hospital to distribute. Mrs Towers is a full-time foster carer. Her husband, Lee, 44, is a cheese maker and DJ. Both are committed to fostering.

Wendy said: “We started five years ago. My kids were off my hands and I wanted to do something. We have had 11 foster children and have adopted two, which brings our family to seven, ranging in age from one to 24.”

Donations were dropped off at the Eddie Shimmings carpet shop.