Woman who had 'a little help' aims to pay it forward

Trudi Price now helps dozens of people using her Facebook page

A woman who turned to social media to ask for "a little help" in her hour of need has started returning the favour.

Trudi Price, from Lydney in Gloucestershire, had lost her job and was struggling to look after herself and her children while undergoing cancer treatment in May 2022.

"I turned to social media asking for 'a little help' and strangers started sending me food deliveries," she said.

Through a Facebook page Ms Price now arranges food parcels for others who ask for help.

She has also partnered with the Forest of Dean baby bank, to send referrals for baby food to them.

In the long term, she has aspirations to open a foodbank-style shop, where people can come and take donated food for free.

"For now, I'm doing it out of my kitchen on my tumble drier," she said.

'Overwhelmed'

Last Christmas, Ms Price arranged for chocolate selection boxes to be wrapped up and given to children.

"I feel like I'm doing something and not just sitting here feeling sorry for myself. We all need something positive now in our lives," she told the BBC.

"I was overwhelmed by the help I had, I just wanted to pay it forward.

"I've helped a lot of people who need dog food, because sometimes a pet is the only friend you have.

"I wouldn't want people to lose their dogs," she said.

Ms Price has also taken donations from several local businesses.

"A woman contacted me saying she had no money for cleaning supplies, and already someone has bought some.

"Some people have nothing and I like to help when I can," she added.