BEAUTIFUL Christmas bows are set to boost funds for Bolton’s refuge for women, children and young people escaping domestic abuse.

The festive bows have been made to help replace funds for Fortalice lost by the absence of the popular annual gift-wrapping service.

This has been run by longtime supporter Gene Spurr and her helpers for the last 20 years but the pandemic means they will be missing from their usual Market Place spot in the run-up to Christmas this year.This blow comes after covid restrictions have prevented fundraising events from being held. This has led to a shortfall in Fortalice’s annual fundraising for the vital services run at the Lewis House refuge and the Outreach Support Centre.

During the first lockdown, the then Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, and friends created and sold hundreds of bows, raising more than £6,000 for Fortalice.

Now, Cllr Fairclough has been joined by Asda Community Champions Christine Baldwin, Lorraine Smith and Carolina Worthington plus two Fortalice staff members to create the Christmas version of the bows.

Fortalice Chief Executive Gill Smallwood said: “We’re really grateful to all those making the bows – they’ve done a great job. Like all charities currently, Fortalice’s fundraising has been affected by the pandemic. This comes at a time when we have been busier than ever, partly due to the strains that lockdown has had on relationships.

“Losing the Christmas wrapping service was a blow but we hope that people will continue to support us through the sale of the bows. They are a lovely addition to the home and are already proving very popular.”

One supporter is the current Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas who has also included Fortalice in her mayoral charities this year. “I’m more than happy to support Fortalice’s fundraising through these lovely bows,” she said.

“The refuge and support centre do an amazing job. It is vital for Bolton that they are able to continue helping women, children and young people who are suffering from domestic abuse to better and safer lives.” The bows made from floristry ribbon cost £5 and those from organza £10 and all come in a variety of colours. The bows can be pre-ordered by going to Fortalice’s Facebook page or calling 07790 808270 or emailing info@fortalice.co.uk They can then be collected or delivered post-lockdown. To donate go to justgiving.com/campaign/FortaliceChristmasBows