Dee, alongside her husband Chris started The Toy Appeal in 2013, following some time volunteering with the wonderful Sister Rita at The Lalley Centre in Collyhurst in 2012. They were heartbroken to find out so many children in the surrounding area would be waking up on Christmas morning without any presents to open, so started The Toy Appeal to ensure no child wakes up Christmas morning without presents to open.

With the support of friends in Knutsford & Hale in Dec 2013 they provided 500 Christmas toy sacks to children around inner city Manchester and over the years it has grown and grown, which is so sad there are so many children and families needing support, but it is also great that they are able to support these children and this is only possible through their amazing supporters and volunteers.

By Christmas 2025, The Toy Appeal had provided Christmas sacks to 75,000 children.

Every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas, the excitement "has he been yet!" - The Toy Appeal can do this for so many children.