A mother spends her time running a charity that provides baby essentials for struggling families.

Samantha Negbenebor, 39, from Northwood, set up her charity Tiny Toes and Tiny Feet two and half years ago after helping a single mother at church by providing her with pre-owned baby items.

The-mother-of-three asks for donations of nappies, baby wipes, clothes, car sears, prams, toys, books, walkers, maternity wear, sterilisers and bottles.

Mrs Negbenebor - who is our community hero - said: “I began having children six years ago and I found how expensive clothes and things are.

“I mentor at my local church and a young single mother who had a child and was expecting another whilst she was living in temporary accommodation with no money for her baby.

Watford Observer:

Baby essentials that are donated to families. Photo: Tiny Toes Tiny Feet

“I decided to bring some mum friends together and ask if they have any old baby items and I was overwhelmed with the amount of things people were willing to give.”

People who visit Mrs Negbenebor’s baby bank including women fleeing from abusive relationships with no financial support.

She said: “I love to see women be empowered and I know when you have children it is a lot harder, to be in a domestic violent situation is awful.

“It is even more awful when you don’t have anything to provide for your children due to no fault of your own. Having access to the donations means they have one less thing to worry about.

“A lot of families have to flee quickly and leave things behind as safety comes first. The government can help out with food banks and accommodation but in terms of baby things they don’t have much support.”

Mrs Negbenebor hopes in the future her charity can offer fun days for children, counselling to women and guidance for woman who want to get back into work.

She added: “I’m overwhelmed by our charity’s success and from the people who donate. There are not a lot of baby banks in this area and we always manage to get good quality products.

“I wouldn’t pass on something that I wouldn’t use for my own children.”

When told she won our community hero award, Mrs Negbenebor said: “It’s a privilege. I don’t feel like a hero, I’m just a mum.

“Everyone at some point in their lives needs support and its not just me. I couldn’t do it without people’s donations.”