A WARRINGTON entrepreneur has raised more than £13,000 for a foodbank in the town.

Helen Tudor has successfully raised the money for Warrington Foodbank in just two weeks by organising an online fundraiser.

Warrington Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Helen runs the LinkedIn and Business Mastermind and after seeing the Warrington Guardian's appeal to help raise £5,000 for the foodbank, she decided to mobilise her network for the cause.

She said: “As a mother myself, I understand the extra costs involved when the children are out of school.

“And with the ever-increasing cost of everything: food, gas, electric, fuel and so on, it is harder than ever for many families to even afford the essentials.”

A variety of products and services were donated by 100 people which were entered into a raffle and silent auction; Helen generously donated around £10,000 of services.

Corporate spoken-word poet, Kate Jenkinson, was invited to perform an original poem and a video highlighting the vital work the foodbank does to support local people was shown.

Foodbank volunteer Vicky O’Donnell said: “To have raised so much in such a short amount of time is incredible.

“It means not only did it cover our summer schools’ campaign, but we can also update our facilities to make them even more welcoming to those in need.”

Helen wants to continue helping Warrington Foodbank to move forward with marketing, fundraising, and strategy.

The Trussell Trust asked to meet with Helen to see how they can recreate her success across the country.

Helen added: “Anyone can do what I have done, and the ripple effect could be huge.

“If you can mobilise a community, you can make a huge difference.”

Helen plans to make her Online Fundraising Ball an annual event but is aiming for an even bigger success - £20,000.

For more information about Warrington Foodbank, visit: https://warrington.foodbank.org.uk/