A MUM’S plea to make sure all children have a warm coat has touched the hearts of the community.

Gemma Jackson has been overwhelmed with donations for her ‘Wrap Up Knutsford’ appeal.

Dozens of coats for boys, girls and adults have been handed in.

“The response has been absolutely fantastic,” said mum-of-three Gemma, 40, who fears more families than ever before will be experiencing hardship this winter.

“We have had so many coats, it has been overwhelming.

“Local businesses have even donated brand new coats.”

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Adam Cash from All Your Appliances bought new coats for children aged 11, 12 and 13 and donated 100 lollipops as treats for a special event during half term.

An open day is being held at Knutsford Fire Station from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, October 16.

Families can come along and help themselves to coats and there will be plenty to keep children entertained.

“We just wanted to provide a stigma free environment where people can get a coat and have a fun day out too,” said Gemma, who works as a housing officer and has seen first hand the struggles many families are facing.

“Children can have their picture taken with a fire engine and meet firefighters.

“They can also design a coat in a competition.

“We’re looking for businesses to donate prizes or small items to add to goody bags.”

Refreshments have been generously provided by Booths and sweets by Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe.

Volunteer Bex O'Rourke is co-ordinating the open day.

Gemma appeared in a live TV interview with presenter Steph McGovern on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

“They saw the article in the Guardian and invited me on the show for a special feature about community heroes who are helping people through the cost of living crisis,” said Gemma.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking but it helped me to get the message out there.

“People have been asking me how to set up similar schemes in their areas.”

Gemma wants to thank volunteers who have come forward and Mark Lee-Kilgariff from Tatton Perk, who has offered space to store the donated coats.

“We want to help families as much as we can,” said Gemma.

“In the past, people had clothes passed on from their cousins and siblings, this is the same, just in a wider community scheme.

“It is a great sustainable project and good for the environment as it saves coats going to landfill.”

A special collection bin for people to drop off coats is available at the community entrance at the back of Knutsford Methodist Church in Princess Street.

Businesses wishing to donate prizes or offer storage space can email wrapupknutsford@gmail or send a message to Wrap Up Knutsford on Facebook.