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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Will Mellor secretly volunteering in hometown for a year as he blasts Tory neglect

Will Mellor has revealed he has been secretly volunteering in his hometown amid the crippling cost of living crisis impacting the lives of millions across the country.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, 47, admits he got involved in a youth-led community group in Stockport earlier this year, when he realised he wasn't "reaching back to where I came from" and using his platform in the best possible way.

Will says since going back home "to see what's going on", it's clear "there's a problem" and is calling on others to do what they can to help others in their community, because "if the government won't feed them, we will."

The actor predicts things in the UK will only get worse over the coming years, as "the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer" thanks to cruel government cuts.

Will, who attended the Pride of Manchester Awards with his beloved mum on Wednesday night, has issued a rallying cry for Brits to do what they can to help each other out, as we "have to replace what the government are lacking" to help those impacted by Tory cuts to "get through each day".

As the former Coronation Street actor presented Florence Coke with the Community Hero award at the Pride of Manchester ceremony on Wednesday, Will thanked the inspiring woman for providing free meals to scores of hungry school children during holiday time.

"If the government won't feed them, she will," Will passionately told the star-studded audience during his time on stage at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

Speaking backstage with Florence and Manchester United player Harry Maguire, Will showered the Pride of Manchester winner with praise and also revealed how he is doing his bit to help those suffering from poverty.

"She represents exactly what community is," Will gushed as he stood proudly next to Florence.

"I come from that working class community...when you've got people like [Florence] in your community it helps you get through. It puts a smile on your face and makes you forget about your problems for five minutes, because you don't have to worry about your meals or bills."

Will spoke with passion at the Pride of Manchester Awards on Wednesday (MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)
'If the government won't feed them, she will' (Manchester Evening News)

The Stockport born star continued: "When I grew up there was always people who helped out where they could and that's exactly what we need in communities - people like this lady here.

"I tell you what, the split is getting worse - the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer."

Referencing his comments about the government on stage, Will said: " It's true! We've got each other and we have to look look after each other.

"Me and Harry are very lucky, we do a job that we do, but we all come from a place where we help each other out. We're all just people at the end of the day.

"This lady is standing tall above everyone. We all need to follow her example and help each other out as we can all do more.

"People who haven't got much come together - salt of the earth."

Will then revealed he has been working with The Cherry Tree Project in his hometown of Stockport, a community group based in Romiley that supports young people throughout the year with regular weekly sessions and holiday activities.

The activities include furniture upcycling projects that help fund the group, and the popular Fit and Fed sessions that they run in partnership with Life Leisure.

"I am part of a community project from where I grew up called The Cherry Tree Project and we help families who can't afford to feed their kids," Will proudly explained on Wednesday.

"I've just got involved in that this year as I realised I wasn't reaching back to where I came from. I was doing charity work but I needed to go back to where I came from and see what's going on there and there's a problem, man.

"What's going on now is only going to get worse so it's important, if I've got a platform, I use it wisely and that is in my community and to those who need it the most.

"And who needs it the most? People without government funding! We have to replace what the government are lacking, so the more we can do helps these people get through each day.

He wisely added: "That's what's important. We're all just human beings - it doesn't matter what colour you are or where you come from - all you are is a human being. Just help each other out. There's no us and them."

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