A MUM who knows the pain of being paid off is pounding the pavements this month to raise funds for struggling families this Christmas.

Nicole Darroch and her baby son Lucas are clocking up the kilometres during November in aid of Inverclyde Foodbank.

The support worker for Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol lost her job during the pandemic and says she's acutely aware how quickly financial circumstances can change.

In a bid to support families who are finding it hard to get by, the 29-year-old set out to raise money for the local charity.

Nicole, who lives with Lucas, her firefighter partner Mick McGarry and stepson Aaron, has been delighted with the kind response of sponsors, so much so that she doubled her original target and the money is still coming in with a week to go.

The new mum told the Tele: "Every year my family always does something at Christmas for a good cause.

"With me still being on maternity leave this seemed like the perfect way to pass time and do something worthwhile.

"With household costs going up, even working families may struggle, so I wanted to play my part.

"I lost my job during the pandemic and was lucky that we had Mick's income, but some people aren't that fortunate.

"Money is always tight around Christmas for everyone, but to think that some families might need to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table is devastating."

At the end of the month, Nicole will pass the money to the foodbank directly.

The Portonian says she's been incredibly well supported in her efforts and wants to thank everyone who has donated so far.

She added: "Family and friends have been great, I've been blown away with how generous people are being.

"I've also had people offering to walk with us too, so it's been great to have some company while me and wee Lucas are out and about."

*To donate to Nicole's fundraiser online, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nicole-darroch