A WOMAN has credited Given to Shine foodbank and the Wrexham community in general for saving her after experiencing domestic abuse. 

The Wrexham resident, who has chosen to stay anonymous, has thanked the Wrexham community for helping her get back on her feet. 

She said: "Everything I have in my flat was given to me by the wonderful people of Wrexham.

"Having to start from scratch at 54 has been challenging but I have received so much help and support."

The 54-year-old also praised Given to Shine, a charity which provides practical support for those struggling financially. 

Discussing the support from both the community and the charity, she said "they saved me."

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She continued: "I am seriously struggling financially and they have been an absolute godsend. I had my second delivery last night and was absolutely gobsmacked at the amount of food I received.

"My freezer is rammed and there's loads in the cupboard. I got so much that I had to list some to give away to an equally grateful lady.

"It wasn't just food that I received either. There were toiletries and cleaning products too. I can't thank you enough. You really are heroes, every single one of you".

She continued by saying thanks to the generous food donations she has been able to afford to put her heating on for one hour each morning. 

Given to Shine operate on a self referral system in which those in Flintshire, Wrexham or Denbighshire can ask for help with food with no proof or evidence required. 

They currently support around 2,500 households, ranging from single occupancy to families in double figures and often receive 1-2 messages every minute of the day. 

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Those in need of help are advised to message them via their facebook page to receive the quickest response from the team.

However, the charity has grown significantly over the past few years and are currently meeting unprecendented demands due to the cost of living crisis.

A spokesperson at Given to Shine charity said: "In honesty, we are overwhelmed at the moment as we’re really struggling to get enough food to meet demand.

"We are having to resort to sending volunteers all over the North West and Midlands to try and source food (via various donation platforms) to compile food parcels which is costing astronomical amounts in diesel and still regularly can’t get hold of enough.

"Unfortunately that means we are having to signpost some people to other organisations if we know we won’t be able to get to them promptly as we can’t risk leaving them without support."

The charity is appealing for food and toiletry donations and has donation points in Aldi Ruabon and M&S Foodhall in Wrexham.

Anyone able to donate or fundraise for the charity can get in contact here. 

They are also looking for people or businesses that would be willing to set up any further donation points.

A spokesperson said: "This can literally be a box in the corner of their premises or someone collecting at home on our behalf."

Due to the cost of diesel, the charity is appealing to anyone that would be able to help cover fuel costs by potentially sponsoring to cover the cost of a van for one week. 

However, a spokesperson for the charity added: "In the current climate we really worry about leaving people short themselves if they do that."