The Damned United and Twilight Saga star Michael Sheen backs Co-op campaign to stop children starving

The star, who is known for a range of film and TV roles including the Twilight Saga, The Queen, The Damned United, Good Omens and Frost versus Nixon, urged people to donate items of food to the co-op’s Summer Support for Kids campaign.

The retailer, which has 260 stores, has been running the three-month food bank campaign since the start of July. It follows research by FareShare Midlands, which indicated that 1,163,134 children are living in poverty across the 16 counties where the co-op has stores.

The campaign sees customers drop off food items at their local store which are then collected by local food banks and turned into meals for children who would normally be enjoying free school meals.

Mr Sheen said: “Please back this worthwhile campaign by Central England Co-op and help our co-operative community make a difference this summer and beyond.”

The appeal runs until September. Items that can be donated include shopping basket staples from tea, sugar and cereals to other essentials such as toiletries and hygiene products. Also, food banks have requested drinks for children, as well as sun cream.

For the first time this year other items needed include small arts and crafts items such as crayons and paints, as well as school supplies such as pencil cases and stationery.

Society President Elaine Dean praised the star for backing the campaign.

She said: “I’m delighted that such a prestigious actor as Michael Sheen is backing our Summer Support for Kids campaign.

“I was honoured to meet him at Co-op Congress in 2017 where he was a delegate from South Wales.

“He is a true co-operator who has never forgotten his working class roots despite the accolades which have come his way after playing iconic figures like Brian Clough and Tony Blair.”

Central England Co-op has also donated £100,000 to its food redistribution partner FareShare Midlands who will be providing food and resources to children over the summer months.

The cash will pay for more than 365,000 meals for youngsters in need.

Keep up-to-date with the campaign by visiting www.centralengland.coop

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