Over the past couple of months I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a fantastic group of people at http://www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk who this year gave up their warehouse space to house Key 103’s toy appeal – Mission Christmas.

The toy appeal is the biggest in the UK and it’s overwhelming to see just how much support the local businesses and community members gave both in their time and toys.

Julie Hesmondhalgh who played Hayley in Coronation Street was so lovely and happy to take time out of her busy schedule rehearsing at the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre for the latest production of Wit.  She brought lots of toys and was so friendly and supportive of the Toy Appeal which was fantastic.

On the live broadcast day which was on the 17th December we welcomed the Manchester Giants, Sale Sharks and Coronation street stars – Brooke Vincent, Amy Jane Kelly and Katie McGlyn

Mike from Grenache restaurant in Walkden did a sterling job of cooking gourmet turkey sandwiches topped with delicious sausages wrapped in bacon.  And if that wasn’t enough he also brought homemade turnip soup which went down a storm.

Today was the last official day for dropping toys off so I took Freya and Rory over to the warehouse to donate some toys. I really wanted them to see for themselves how important it is at Christmas time in particular to be generous.  They loved the experience and were in awe when they saw the mountains of toys in the enormous warehouse.  They also loved seeing the bathroom set designs and wanted to know if the toilets and baths worked.