A FATHER-OF-FIVE with terminal cancer has launched a festive foodbank appeal for the second year in a row to help East Lothian Foodbank, after his family used the community resource during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Johnnie Meechan, 44, of Coalgate Avenue in Tranent, is encouraging followers of his Johnnie’s Journey blog and social media pages to get involved in his winter initiative.

He was diagnosed with terminal neuroendocrine (NET) cancer six years ago and given five years to live.

Johnnie, who recovered after falling seriously ill with Covid recently, advocates for NET cancer awareness while helping others.

His foodbank drive invites people to either donate money or items such as food, toiletries and cleaning products to help local families in need.

For every item or pound donated, people will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes.

Any money donated will be used to buy items in bulk, all of which will be donated to the foodbank, based on Tranent’s Civic Square.

Johnnie and his team are also asking other community groups in the area who need help to get in touch.

He said: “The last 18 months have been a struggle for everyone.

“Mental health problems are on the rise at an alarming rate.

“Physical health has been battered and people are struggling financially more than ever.

“The team and I want to do something to give back to the community and help a resource that has been absolutely drained due to the huge amount of people under financial restraint, out of work, having no support network and generally just needing a wee dig out – that being the foodbanks and community groups.

“As a family, we’ve always donated to it and this year we found ourselves in need of it too.

“They’re such a wonderful resource of help for anyone in need but they badly need our help and when able we should all do our part to help in whatever way possible.”

The JustGiving page will run until December 16, while item collection is open until December 19.

Donations can be dropped off, though any coming from East Lothian and Edinburgh can be picked up by the Johnnie’s Journey team.

Johnnie added: “Do something positive to see out the year, no matter how big or small; it all goes to help people and families just like me or you by removing one less worry.

“No one should go hungry or be ashamed to ask for help. Together, we can make a difference.”

Items urgently required include: instant coffee, tinned fruit, tinned potato, cup-a-soups, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, disinfectant, nappies sized 4, 5 and 6, household cleaner and long grain rice.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/foodbankjj2021

For drop-off or pick-up of donations, message the Johnnie’s Journey Facebook page.