THE manager of a Wirral homeless charity has praised Globe readers' 'overwhelming' support for its life-saving work helping those less fortunate.

For most of us, a hot meal and warm place to sleep are among the luxuries we take very much for granted – but is not the same for others.

As hard times continue to hit those most vulnerable, many Wirral people will struggle to make ends meet and while so many of us prepare to tuck into a delicious feast, unwrap our presents and spend time with our loved ones, so many will be forced to sleep rough.

The Charles Thompson Mission in Birkenhead has been a lifeline for more than 120 years.

It opens its doors to more than 70 people five days a week, offering them hot meals and a chance to escape the poverty they have come so accustom to.

Set up in 1892 by grocer Charles Thompson, the Mission – on Hemingford Street – aimed to ease the suffering of youngsters in poverty and donations came from local shops, businesses and individuals.

Although Mr Thompson died in 1903, his goals lived on through his daughter, Annie – who was awarded the MBE in 1953 for her services to the people of Birkenhead.

Now, the Mission is run by Bernie Frost, who first got involved 13 years ago as a volunteer and has been manager for five years.

Providing food, furniture, clothes, healthcare, counselling services and even toys for the borough’s poorest children, Bernie is proud to be a part of something so vital for many living below the breadline.

Bernie told the Globe today: "I want to say a massive thank you to the public. We couldn't run without donations."

"From 7-9am we have bacon and egg on toast, that’s exclusively for homeless people. The numbers of visitors through our doors varies every day, but after 9am anyone can come in and get a hot meal until 1-pm.

"Among those coming through the doors are people who have moved on to find themselves accommodation, so they struggle.

"People can just struggle with life in general; paying bills, etc. We’ve seen a a lot of people with mental health issues come through the door, younger people.

"Some people just do not cope well. There are also a lot of people worrying about the benefits changes, which is going to affect a lot of people.

"Last year, it was all about benefits sanctions, so we offer a foodbank / parcel bank service. We've given a lot more of those out again this year."

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Bernie Frost and volunteers sort out the donations in basement

Among the mission's army of volunteers is Marjorie Maskrey, who has dedicated 81 years of her life to cause and has been awarded an MBE for her services to the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The 97-year-old, more commonly known as Peggy (pictured, below), has been familiar with Charles Thompson’s Mission in Birkenhead ever since she arrived on the doorstep aged eight with her mum Dolly Monaghan in 1928

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Praising the volunteers, Bernie said: "There are a lot of people who want to get involved.

"Donations and the need for our services are growing, so are the hearts of people who want to help.

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Bernie helps out in the kitchen

"People's kindness is getting stronger; they want to help the public and are very happy to."

Reflecting on his role, Bernie said: "For me, it's more of a calling than a job and I want to help as much as I can.

"People often tell me: 'You’re doing a great job', and I appreciate that.

"But I'm often left feeling as though I'm just putting plasters on things.

"As you look across the problem and people in poverty in general, you're thinking 'there's very little impact to try and fix the problem if the truth be known'.

"But we do our best and every little helps; whether it’s the little old lady bringing in £5 or a bag of spuds, to people donating £1,000 during a recent sleepover.

"I can't say it enough; thank you very much to everyone who helps us help those who need us.”

Among those using its services is Josh Jones (pictured, below) from Birkenhead.

The 21-year-old is homeless and told the Globe: "If it wasn't for the people at the mission, many of us wouldn't be here.

"I used to be embarrassed coming here, but not anymore. They have really helped me.

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"I 'd like to get my own place and my aim is to be a volunteer at the mission. It would be my way of pay back."

Another daily visitor is 51-year-old Kevin Davies, who was a second lieutenant in the RAF, until his life circumstances changed and he found himself homeless.

Echoing Josh's thoughts, Kevin said: "If Bernie and the mission were not here, a lot of people like me would end up dead and in Landican.

"Their work is life-saving."

Opening its doors yet again on Christmas Day from 1-5pm, the Mission will put on a special festive dinner, complete with all the trimmings and through its Toy Bank scheme, it will ensure that as many children as possible have something to open on Christmas morning.

Anyone who would like to get involved or find out more about the Mission and its work, can visit ctmission.org