Kind-hearted suppliers have helped agent Janette Ashby fulfil a wish to help the homeless this Christmas in memory of her son.

Janette, owner of Global Travel Bamber Bridge in Preston, Lancashire, reached out last month on the Travel Gossip Facebook group to ask if any suppliers had spare drawstring bags they were willing to donate.

She planned to fill them with toiletries to give to homeless people, as a tribute to her son Chris, who had also spent time on the streets.

Chris died in October and, in lieu of funeral flowers, Janette asked mourners to make donate cash or toiletries for the homeless.

After Janette’s story appeared in Travel Gossip, suppliers and fellow travel agents got in touch to help out.

Travelpack, Explore and Gold Medal all supplied bags, while TTNG donated hats and gloves and other agents, including Pole Travel boss Jill Waite, sent in donations.  

This week, Janette delivered 20 drawstring bags, which are waterproof and can be used like rucksacks, to the Foxton Centre and Fox Street Night Shelter, which both support homeless people in Preston.  

Janette said: “I’m so grateful for everyone in the industry who has donated and helped with this.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to deliver 20 bags full to the brim of toiletries, warm socks, hats and gloves.

“I have bags and some toiletries left, so I will be continuing to do this in the New Year.”

If you’d like to donate, you can contact Janette at: [email protected].