Paddy McGuinness has shown his support for those struggling with the cost of living crisis when he teamed up with his childhood friend a charity boss to help out at a food bank.
The 49-year-old grew up with Billa Ahmed, 52, who set up the charity Homeless Aid UK in 2017, initially helping those living on the streets in Bolton and Greater Manchester.
But now he runs food banks and soup kitchens in additional locations in London and Glasgow, and after meeting five years ago, he decided to team up.
Support: Paddy McGuinness has shown his support for those struggling with the cost of living crisis when he teamed up with his childhood friend, the head of a charity, to help out at a food bank.
Staff members, Paddy and their homeless guests enjoyed a festive dinner at the lively event in Bolton this week to celebrate the charity’s Christmas party.
speaking to Mirror, Paddy explained that Billa lived across the street from him and after passing paths in 2017 while filming Top Gear, he was invited downstairs to see Billa in action.
‘I remember the length of the queue was shocking and now that I’ve come back it’s even busier.
“Weirdly, there’s a lovely atmosphere here but tinged with sadness because you don’t want it to be crowded, but it is.
It’s a lovely evening, but I wish we didn’t have to.
He said he was only there to “say hello” and credited the charity team who do the work throughout the year, adding that the only thing he “can offer here are selfies”.
Helping out: The 49-year-old grew up with Billa Ahmed, 52, who set up the charity Homeless Aid UK in 2017, initially helping those living on the streets in Bolton and Greater Manchester, and Paddy has been helping
Volunteers took selfies with the actor and comedian, who is said to have made “no likey, no lighty” jokes, as well as giving his autograph when asked.
The charity’s founder, Billa, explained that this is not the first time he has visited food banks and soup kitchens; instead, Paddy kept a low profile because he “didn’t want anyone to know.”
Billa, whose charity provides food, clothing, toiletries, shoes, bedding and more, added that Paddy has been helping for years.
It comes after Paddy showed his support for striking NHS nurses when he joined them on the picket line at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool on Thursday.
Strikes: Paddy McGuinness, 49, showed his support for striking NHS nurses when he joined them on the picket line at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool on Thursday.
The comedian, 49, was seen holding up a sign meant for passing motorists reading “honk your horn if you support fair pay for nursing” as he posed for photographs with members of the Royal College of Nursing.
As the nurses struggled to stay warm in the bitterly cold temperatures, Top Gear presenter Paddy arrived with much-needed boxes of hand warmers, food and bouquets of flowers to show his appreciation.
Sue Middleton, lead mental health nurse at Alder Hey, said they were surprised and excited to see him.
She said: ‘We’ve had so many people come and join us today, bringing food and hot drinks.
Grateful: Some picketers took to Twitter to express their gratitude for Paddy’s visit.
‘The support has been overwhelming and having Paddy here was fantastic.
“He was charming, posing for selfies with nurses and waving the union sign. He said that he is with us all the way.
Some picketers took to Twitter to express their gratitude for Paddy’s visit.
One person wrote: ‘Thank you for all the love and support we have received on picket lines and on social media today! I never thought when I became a nurse that I would go on strike! The mince pies were lovely! #patientsafety #SafeStaffingSavesLives #FairPayforNursing #RCNStrike.’
Another person wrote: ‘@PaddyMcGuinness Thank you for showing your support for the @RCN staff at @AlderHey today. Coco the dog loved it.
While someone else posted: ‘Bad angle but bragging rights, cheers @PaddyMcGuinness. Paddy left food and flowers #NursesStrike #FairPayforNursing #SafeStaffingSavesLives.’
Up to 100,000 doctors walked out of their jobs today in the biggest strike in NHS history.
Doing it right: As nurses struggled to stay warm in bitterly cold temperatures, Top Gear presenter Paddy arrived with much-needed boxes of hand warmers, food and flower bouquets.