Temperatures have plunged across the country with just weeks to go before Christmas. The cold snap comes after surging food, energy and fuel costs have left households feeling the squeeze this year.
The soaring cost of living is leaving many families facing tough decisions with a harsh winter to come. But Bolton's boxing hero Amir Khan says he is determined to make a difference to help those who are struggling this festive season.
After watching an item discussing the issue on this morning's (December 7) BBC Breakfast , the 35-year-old confirmed on Twitter that he would like to support people looking to keep warm and eat well this winter. He announced his goal of opening a warm bank and food bank in his hometown, and called on the Amir Khan Foundation to work with Bolton Lads and Girls' Club to make it a reality.
He wrote: "Just watching the national news. Keeping warm, buying food is very expensive in England, people are finding it hard to live.
"I would love to open a warm/food bank in Bolton. I think the Amir Khan Academy is too small for this.
"I suggest @BLGCofficial and @AKFoundation work together and support the people of Bolton. We should welcome everyone to keep warm and have eat food etc.
"I will cover the costs. It’s coming close to Christmas and I want everyone to have a good Christmas."
The Amir Khan Foundation, a registered charity which launched in 2014, aims to support those in need in the UK and around the world - having previously raised funds for projects including new orphanages in Africa, to disaster relief following floods in Cumbria. Amir's idea has been warmly received online, including by the Bolton Lads and Girls' Club.
A spokesperson for the club replied on Twitter: "Yes! We would love this!" The spokesperson added: "We're already committed to providing 270 food hampers (so far) this winter for families in need and a hot meal everyday for free for our children and young people. Would love to do more together."
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