A GREENOCK dad who struggled to provide Christmas gifts for his children while jobless is now behind a much happier toy story.

Mark Wilson, 38, was unemployed for the last two years and faced a tough time during both festive periods.

He had to turn to his loved ones for help to get presents for his children Blake, 10, Dean, eight, and Macy, seven.

Now he is taking on a charity walk from Port Glasgow to Largs to help others facing the same plight.

Rather than ask for sponsorship, he is asking people to consider donating a new or used toy to the appeal for other families.

Mark said: “Feeling like I might not be able to provide for my children was a horrible feeling.

"It was really hard.

"Luckily I had family and friends who were able to help.

“The thought of another family or parent going through it was enough to drive me on.

“Everyone is just one wrong decision away from finding themselves struggling."

Mark has been inundated with messages of support and offers of help and has set up local collection points for toys.

Amethyst Hair and Beauty in King Street, Port Glasgow, and Battery Park Nursery in Greenock both offered the use of their premises.

The nursery's Rose Swan said: “We are keen to get involved with as much in the community as we can.

"When I saw this I thought it was great and was keen to get the nursery on board.

“The whole nursery is on board and parents have been bringing in donations.”

Mark also asked local businessman John Mulholland if he had any storage facilities and he offered him a full shop next door to Zest on Lynedoch Street.

Mark, who is opening it in between work and looking after his children, said: “I have been so overwhelmed by the support and generosity of people.

"The appeal has only been running a few days and we already have a great amount of donations.

"I can’t thank people enough.

“People have dropped off toys which have hardly been used, everything is of such a good standard.

“I only ask that people donate things that they would be happy to receive.

"People can clear out toys no longer used and make way for new ones while helping.”

As well as managing the toy appeal Mark is also preparing for his walk on December 21.

He said: “My children have been so supportive.

"My oldest understands and the younger ones think I am Santa’s helper.

"They will join me for part of the walk and I am really looking forward to it.

“I didn’t want to ask people for money so asked for a toy donation and people have really bought into it."

Anyone who finds themselves struggling for presents this year is invited to message Mark and donations will be accepted until Saturday.