Brothers in Alms Help People’s Kitchen

Two County Durham youngsters have given up their cosy beds to brave freezing cold temperatures by sleeping overnight in a church to raise funds for The People’s Kitchen.

Henry Spencer (12) and his brother Dylan (9) decided to help The People’s Kitchen as they were concerned about how vulnerable people coped in the ice-cold winter snap. The boys’ father, Simon is the curate of Holy Trinity and St Paul’s Church in Pelton and he suggested that they may like to spend the night in the church to raise sponsorship for The Kitchen.

Henry said: “When we slept in the church, we kept ourselves warm with blankets, but it was minus seven degrees outside at the time. It was fun to do but we know that some people feel this cold every night too.”

Dylan added: “We have given £475 to The People’s Kitchen so that they can help more people stay warm and not go hungry in the winter.”

Mum Rachel was very proud of the boys and explained that it wasn’t the first time that they had raised money for good causes.

“They have previously raised money for MIND during COVID and have helped with other charities too over the past three years. In total, they have raised more than £2000. I’m so proud of the fact that they enjoy helping others and want to make a difference to those who are less fortunate than themselves.”

To say thank you, The People’s Kitchen invited the family for a tour of the building where they met volunteers and saw how the meals were prepared and cooked. Trustee Jackie Boardman was delighted to show them around the facilities.

“We rely entirely on the generosity and goodwill of the public, local businesses, schools, and wider communities, who donate food and money. No government funding is received, and everyone at The Kitchen is an unpaid volunteer. The Spencer brothers have put others before themselves and we are very grateful for their kind donation. It will make a huge difference to a lot of our “friends” who use our services,” she said.

Photo: front l to r Dylan, Henry