Mother and daughter’s appeal for Wisbech festive soup kitchen

A generous mother and daughter will be giving up part of their Christmas Day to run a soup kitchen for the needy in Wisbech.

Rosie Mitchell and Rebecca Peacock will serving hot soup from Bygones Cafe, in Little Church Street, on Christmas morning.

The pair are appealing for donations of food, polystyrene cups and clothing to help make the festive season special for those who are less fortunate.

Mrs Mitchell, of Leverington, said: “We have heard that people are sleeping in trees or in the Pavilion and we wanted to do something to make their Christmas Day special.

“We want to make sure that they have a hot meal to help them through winter.

“We don’t know how many people will turn up. There are a lot of people out there who are really struggling.

“Hopefully this will show the spirit of Christmas.”

The mother and daughter duo, with their team of helpers, will be making a hearty chicken broth to serve up between 11am and noon.

They are also hoping to hand out rolls and mince pies, along with clothing such as hats, gloves and coats.

Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Peacock, who lives in Tydd St Giles, have already approached the town’s supermarkets for help and have put out an appeal on Facebook.

Mrs Mitchell said: “We would really like some help with the polystyrene beakers to put the soup in. If anyone could help we would be really grateful.

“The support we have had so far has been overwhelming. Everyone has been really supportive.” If you would like to make a donation of food, beakers or clothing, mark it for the soup kitchen and drop it into the Salvation Army shop in Union Street, Wisbech.