A BIG hearted business has played a massive role towards putting a smile on kids faces this Christmas.

It comes as Ardrossan based Key Reservations, and fellow businesses within Minard House, pledged an outstanding £1,000 towards Kilwinning man Michael Kirkum's annual Crosshouse kids Christmas appeal.

Michael has been running the appeal for over a decade now, collecting gifts to spend Christmas cheer to children spending the festive period in the Ayrshire hospital.

Having smashed his targets on previous occasions, receiving more donations year on year, Michael is hoping that this year can see the appeal help its 20,000th child - and then some.

This recent donation - the second backing he has had by a business in recent weeks - will go a long way in helping meet those goals.

In fact, Michael has explained how this incredible generosity can help the appeal go the extra mile this time around.

He explained: "It's fantastic. It will help us buy so much. the ward were looking for a life-size Santa to display at the entrance - so we can buy that now.

"It should definitely help drive us close to our 20,000 target. This will really allow things to progress.

"Considering how hard things are out there, finding people and businesses like this is like finding a needle in a haystack.

"It's allowed me to get items I would otherwise never have the chance to get for the kids."

Though Key Reservation's managing director Craig Perkins said he was delighted to be able to offer Michael support with his appeal.

He commented: "We are more than happy to support Michael and the amazing job he is doing bringing a bit of happiness to kids when they are at their lowest.

"We will continue to support him wherever we can along the way."

While Michael is continuing to look for support as he prepares his collection of donations for the Crosshouse children's ward.

He is hoping to receive donations of selections boxes, colouring books and crayons, soft toys, board games, baby toys and story books for under fives to hand over to the hospital and other children's groups.

He commented: "Spending time in hospital at Christmas, away from family and friends, can be a stressful time. For children it's magnified 10 times.

"This cost-of-living crisis puts a strain on many families, so this appeal not only helps those in hospital but many in our local community.

"Your donations help to keep a bit of normality in their lives - showing that Santa delivers to every child no matter where they are.

"Let's smash last year's total - you can help make a difference."

For those wishing to find our more about the appeal, or to make a donation, you can contact Michael Kirkum on Facebook (facebook.com/michael.kirkum.71), by emailing mjkirkum89@outlook.com or by calling/texting 07961 540780.