BOLTON boxer Amir Khan stepped in to support the victims of Storm Desmond in Cumbria.

The gloves were off for two-time World Champion on Saturday when he led a group of volunteers giving morale and practical support to the victims of the devastating flooding in Carlisle.

He was joined on Saturday by members of his own charity foundation as well as volunteers from the international humanitarian charity Penny Appeal.

After touring the streets and witnessing the devastation at first-hand, Amir waded in with physical support by helping to move residents’ furniture and removing water-battered items.

As well as giving out food and new toys, Amir said he wanted to remind those affected that they’re not alone in dealing with this crisis.

He said: “It was heartbreaking to see just how the floods have destroyed people’s homes, including kitchens, living areas and even things like children's toys.

"It's very sad to see that people have had to leave their homes and all the furniture has been taken out of their houses and the floods have destroyed all the homes, the kids' toys and everything else.

"I just want to come here and give kids some new toys and bring moral support really.

"Its right on my doorstep, I live in England, that is one of the reasons why I wanted to come and show my support. I do a lot of help around the world helping the needy and I thought why not England where I live."

The 29-year-old toured the Warwick Road area of the city which was badly hit by Storm Desmond last weekend and met volunteers from Greystone Community Centre, which acted as a reception centre in the wake of the floods, providing hot meals and accommodation for those forced to flee their homes.

Graham Weber, Greystone Community Centre Manager, said: “Having an icon like Amir Khan here has given the people of Carlisle a real lift – and it’s come at just the right time as many homes are still without electricity and gas. The volunteers have been just as brilliant and I can’t thank everybody involved enough.”

Humanitarian charity Penny Appeal helped organise a solidarity day at the local Greystone Community Centre, where Amir Khan served hot lunch to locals and handed out some early festive presents to young children from the flood-hit area.

After offering support at the centre, Amir went back on to the streets to hand-deliver food parcels and hot meals to the elderly and those isolated at home.

He also met troops of the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, who are assisting with the ongoing clean-up, before heading to the Kinder Park Nursery in Warwick Road where Christmas presents were handed out to children.

International humanitarian charity Penny Appeal works in the UK as part of its ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ campaign.

Volunteers from the charity, alongside those from Amir Khan Foundation, were present throughout the day offering support and delivering hot meals and food packs – which contained essential items like pasta, rice, sugar, cereal and cooking sauces.

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