Travel agent Janette Ashby has reached out to the trade to ask for help to fulfil a wish in memory of her son, who died recently.

Janette, who owns Global Travel Bamber Bridge in Preston, Lancashire, posted yesterday on the Travel Gossip Facebook group: “I recently lost my son and in lieu of flowers at his funeral I asked for donations so that I could make up bags of toiletries for both men and women that are homeless or staying in a shelter or hostel.

“I wondered if there are any operators that can help me by providing some of the drawstring bags to put the items in for me to give out, as they are durable and quite waterproof.”

Janette told Travel Gossip that friends, family and clients have all donated toiletries and/or made cash donations and she reckons she already has enough to make up at least 25 bags for people in need.

She said: “It was my son, Chris’, funeral on Tuesday. He was 39 and died on 9 October from a heart attack. He did have other health issues, including COPD and seizures and he had a drug addiction as well as mental health issues.

“I asked for donations to help the homeless because Chris was sometimes homeless, because he didn’t want to conform.

“I am also donating to the local foodbank near where he lived, as I’m aware that a lot of people are struggling.

“I’d like to do something to help people in his memory. A couple of local travel agents and other local businesses have also donated to the cause.”

She added: “The bags I’m after are the ones that have a drawstring and can be used like a rucksack. I have had them from suppliers at travel events in the past, they would be ideal for packing toiletries in to give to the homeless.”

If you can help, please contact: [email protected]