A north Staffordshire business leader has pledged support to a campaign for children living in furniture poverty - and he's encouraging other local businesses to do the same.

Simon Lasota, Director of the Newcastle-under-Lyme based Last Group and iFIX, decided to support 'Beds for Kids' after meeting Executive Lead of Emmaus North Staffs, John Webbe, at a local business networking event in January.

After learning more about the charity, and their campaign at Connects Network meeting, which was held at Smithfield Works in Hanley, Simon reached out and has committed to supporting vulnerable local families.

"When I heard John (Webbe) speak at the Connects meeting, I could not believe how many children are without a bed locally," said Simon.

"It is estimated by the charity, that there are around 9,000 children without a bed of their own in Stoke-on-Trent, and John and Emmaus North Staffs, have been doing great work in recent years to try and prevent local children from not having their own bed.

"The numbers are quite staggering and I immediately wanted to see how I could help, which is why I offered to donate £200 each month for one year, which is the cost to cover one brand-new children's bed, mattress and bedding, which the charity will be able to deliver."

Simon added: "I am one of nine children and when we were younger I never recall any of us being without a bed.

"We were not wealthy, but we did have a bed to sleep in at night and Beds for Kids really makes you think and realise just what you have got."

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Emmaus North Staffs launched Beds for Kids in 2022 and in the last two years have delivered more than 1,000 bed bundles to children living in poverty, predominately in the Stoke-on-Trent postcodes.

Demand is still rising and requests have also been filtering through to the charity via their referral system, from families living in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

John Webbe said: "The reason we started Beds for Kids a few years ago was because of a rise in demand our charity was receiving for children's beds.

"Those numbers are not going down and we are seeing an increase of requests from other postcode areas now too.

"To receive support like Simon's is really appreciated beyond words as we rely on all the support we can get.

"For Simon to also pledge to donate the cost of a bed bundle for one year is incredible and we thank him wholeheartedly."

The charity are keen to build on other fundraising activities to help them continue with their Beds for Kids campaign.

Throughout the month of May, Emmaus North Staffs are encouraging people to join them in the Big Marathon Month. Participants are required to raise a minimum of £200 - the cost of a brand new bed, mattress and bedding - and can either run, walk, cycle or swim 26.2 miles over the month.

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John added: "In 2026 alone we are going to be looking at £100,000 to supply at least 500 Children's bed bundles - and with numbers rising - it is a lot for our charity.

"We have decided to take part in the Big Marathon Month in May and it would be great to welcome others to join us."

For more information about Beds for Kids contact John Webbe on 01782 846111 or visit the Emmaus North Staffs website here.

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