If giving is better than receiving, the Towers are one of the luckiest families in Maryport.

Wendy and Lee have seven childre,n including two they adopted. Last year they had 12 foster children and though they have all found homes now, there are more to come.

But none of that stops the couple from reaching out still further by collecting toys for sick children and children in care.

Wendy, 47, is a stay-at-home mum while husband Lee, 46, works at the Aspatria Creamery and is a DJ and children’s entertainer.

They started collecting toys three years ago and filled 10 large Santa sacks. Last year it was nearly 30 and this year the sky’s the limit.

What the couple are doing is not just charity, but is based on a love of children.

Wendy said: “I love children and I can’t bear to think of them being sick or in care and not having the presents they deserve.”

It is this love of children that inspired the couple to foster, which they will continue to do.

“Last year I cooked dinner for 35. It will be a lot quieter this year but we will continue to foster children until they can find homes and I am sure more will be arriving soon,” Wendy said.

She said being able to provide children with something special at Christmas makes this seasonal effort worthwhile.

They are asking people to donate new toys, large or small, to ensure that as many children as possible can have a gift they deserve this Christmas.

Wendy said she is extremely grateful to the many people who have supported the project in the past and to those who will give gifts this year.

“I am also grateful to Eddie Shimmings Ltd, who act as a collection point and to the Times & Star for publicising our appeal.

December 15.