John Challis: I’m backing the Toy Appeal

Mr Challis, who played the iconic role of Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, said he hoped people would get into the season of goodwill by donating generously.

The actor, who plays Monty in Benidorm and will return to ITV screens in spring, lives near Ludlow, in south Shropshire.

The appeal, now its third year, is a joint operation between this newspaper and our partners at Storage King in Shrewsbury to bring a little Christmas cheer to youngsters who are facing a difficult time this Christmas.

We are collecting toys, games and other gifts which will be distributed among five charities which support charities in the Shropshire area.

The Movement Centre, based at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Gobowen, provides pioneering therapy for youngsters with mobility problems, while The Harry Johnson Trust supports youngsters who are suffering from cancer, as well as their brothers and sisters who can also find it a distressing time.

We are also working with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust, to bring a little festive cheer to youngsters who will be receiving treatment at this time of year. Hope House children’s hospice in Gobowen cares for children with life-limiting conditions, while we are also collecting for Telford & Wrekin children’s services.

We are asking readers to donate brand new toys, books and games for children of all ages, with gifts for teenagers particularly welcome.

Mr Challis said: “I’m very pleased to be supporting the Shropshire Star’s appeal to bring toys to children this Christmas. Christmas is the season of goodwill to all men and it is a particularly important time for children.

“And so we can all play our part by giving gifts that youngsters will enjoy, particularly those who may be vulnerable or whose parents are unable to provide for them over the festive holidays.”

Mr Challis has previously supported the Christmas Gifts appeal and has been impressed by the amount of good that it has done.

He said: “I have been consistent in supporting the appeal and it’s been heartening to see that Shropshire Star readers have been very generous in recent years. Hopefully, people will respond as kindly and graciously as they have before by digging deep and doing their best. Christmas is a time for children and we all hope that youngsters across Shropshire and Mid-Wales have a lovely time. We can all play a part by donating gifts – however big or small. Nothing will go amiss. The newspaper’s campaign is exceptional.”

Toys can be dropped off at the following collection points:

Our collection points are:

• Shrewsbury: Storage King, Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, SY1 3GA

• Shrewsbury: Shropshire Star, 2, Bellstone, SY1 1QQ

• Oswestry: Shropshire Star, 14 Salop Road, SY11 2NU

• Telford: Shropshire Star, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, TF1 5HU

• Telford: Leegomery Children’s Centre, Pool Farm Avenue, Apley, TF16FR

• Telford: Sutton Hill Children’s Centre, 103 Southgate, TF7 4HG

• Wellington: Wrekin View Children’s Centre, North Road, Wellington, TF1 3ES