HERO OF THE DAY

The shocking rise in domestic violence figures over lockdown is nothing short of a national tragedy, but one woman has been making the lives of hundreds of children fleeing their violent homes just that little bit bearable.

Often mums and their children have to leave quickly or in the middle of the night, and are not able to take personal items with them. But a Buddy Bag from Karen Williams’ charity will give them a little bit of their dignity and home comforts back.

Founder of The Buddy Bag Foundation, over the past few months Karen and her team have helped 540 children escaping domestic violence with gifts of essential items and teddies, and 724 children in women’s refuges with craft supplies.

The 59-year-old mum of three grown-up children has spent lockdown keeping in touch with refuges in Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield to hear what the kids need, overseeing volunteers and even packing Buddy Bags herself with co-founder Chris Williams.

The charity’s Buddy Bags are backpacks filled with all the essential items a child needs – toiletries, PJS, socks, underwear, a book and heartbreakingly, a photo frame and teddy bear.

It’s hard to imagine how anyone can hurt a child, but rather than just feel bad about it, lockdown hero Karen has made a real difference to the lives of so many kids.

But I think the best thanks is if you can afford to donate anything to www.buddy bagfoundation. co.uk and help one of Karen’s children in their hour of need.