Annual children's toy appeal by Hartlepool gym has best year yet despite pandemic

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Ste Cotson, 31, who runs the LAB Gym on the Headland, together with his sister Niki Cotson and Chanelle Siddle are delighted with the amount of presents they have collected through the Lost Souls Annual Toy Appeal.

Despite the challenging times, they received more gifts than ever from generous supporters which have gone to local charities and families to make a difference to underprivileged children this Christmas.

A sea of gifts covered the floor of the LAB Gym in Darlington Street which acted as the main collection point.

From left to right: Niki Cotson, Chanelle Siddle and Ste Cotson with all of the donated children's toys in the LAB Gym.

The appeal is now in its ninth year.

Ste said: “We weren’t going to do it this year because of the virus situation but it has been the best year by far.

"We have received at least £5,000 worth of donations in cash and new toys.

"I think this year has made everyone appreciate things a bit more. People are losing their jobs and are struggling.”

The toys have gone to Hartlepool domestic abuse refuge Harbour, Alice House Hospice, the Belle Vue community centre, Sprigwell School, Catcote Academy and One77 (Families First North East).

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Members of the gym and public donated toys and games for babies right through to teenagers.

Ste added: “It’s been phenomenal really. Niki did most of the work and did a lot of the running around.

“We didn’t expect what we got at all.”

"We have doubled or even tripled what we got last year. There were that many toys it took us four hours to lay them all out.”

He hopes next year’s appeal will be even more successful and encouraged more supporters to get on board.

Ste also runs the Lost Souls mental health support group which has almost 6,000 members on Facebook.

Last year he launched the Lost Souls Asylum clothing brand with all proceeds going towards promoting awareness of mental health.

Ste has also supported numerous other causes and charities in the past including for cancer and homelessness by spending 36 hours on the streets without food or water.

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