Homeless cafe raises £11k after urgent plea for help

The charity helps the homeless, veterans and vulnerable people

A homeless charity which had just £18.11 left in its bank account said more than £11,000 had been raised in three days after an urgent appeal on social media.

The Garage Cafe, in Union Street, Plymouth, unveiled its almost empty bank account and asked for help in a social media post on Thursday.

Plymouth Argyle football player Morgan Whittaker was among those who made donations to the charity which helps feed veterans, vulnerable people and struggling families.

One of the volunteers from the charity, Jason, said there was a sense of disbelief after about £11,200 was raised by the community.

'Massive electric bill'

"We was expecting to raise maybe £1,000," he said. "We are still getting support now which is fantastic."

Jason said the charity usually raises money through car boot sales and selling items online but that it had recently been hit with a "massive electric bill" of more than £4,000.

The bill could now been paid off, he said.

"We can keep the rent being paid, keep the electric going, keep the food supplies up," he added.

Jason said Argyle player Morgan Whittaker made a donation and he said there were future plans to raise funds by auctioning off a signed shirt.

He said the funds should be able to keep the charity going until the end of 2024.