Neil and Nicola Gascoyne got married in Newark Castle last Saturday, and asked for donations to Newark FoodBank
A generous couple of newly-weds have donated hundreds of pounds to foodbanks both here and across the border.
Neil and Nicola Gascoyne got married in Newark Castle last Saturday, and are enjoying a honeymoon in the Lake District.
But instead of asking their guests for wedding presents, the couple, who now live in Edinburgh, asked for donations to foodbanks, either their personal local bank or the two closest to the couple's hearts - Newark, where Neil's family is from, and Edinburgh.
Neil said: "The main reason that we chose the foodbank is that we've been together for 10 years now and have everything we need.
"It was so good of our guests to come to the wedding, as the cost of attending can put financial pressure on everyone, so it doesn't seem right to ask people to bring gifts as well.
"We were here planning a big party, and there are people out there who can't afford to buy food.
"We've known people who have relied on food banks and at the moment it seems like things are getting worse, especially as we are heading into winter and people have to stretch themselves further.
"We are fortunate enough to have the main things we need so the wedding just seemed like a really good opportunity to help out people in the local community rather than asking for money for a holiday."
The couple raised £600 in total, with £500 raised on their dedicated JustGiving page and another £100 in donations on the day.
On Tuesday, the couple brought £300 worth of food, beverages and toiletries from Newark FoodBank's shopping list to their warehouse in the town
The other £300 will go to a Foodbank in Edinburgh.
Jenni Harding, PR and Fundraising Co-ordinator for Newark Foodbank said: "Newark Foodbank are delighted and impressed by the generosity shown by this young Newark couple on their wedding day.
"How kind of Neil and Nicole to think of helping others on an occasion like this and delivering this large donation to us while on their honeymoon.
"They are so kind and we can't thank them enough."
