THE Ayrshire man leading a donation drive to provide Easter Eggs to children spending the holiday in hospital has hailed on local barber for making a massive contribution.

Michael Kirkum was extremely thankful for the huge donation provided by Billy's Barbers in Irvine earlier this month.

The contribution was all the more welcome as Michael says his annual donation drive is facing its "hardest year yet".

This is now the 12th time that the Kilwinning man has tried to pull out all the stops to put a smile on the faces of sick kids at Crosshouse Hospital.

Though the cost-of-living crisis has made it increasingly challenging with Billy's donation the first major contribution to this year's drive.

Michael commented: "It’s really slow this year with the cost-of-living crisis affecting us all.

"Without your donations this will not be successful. Many people think this will always be a success but that is not the case.

"For 12 years now I have been doing this and this time around it has definitely been the hardest year yet.

"I get that with the current situation so any donations are most welcome."

Anyone wishing to make a donation are able to drop these off at Lola's Doggy Daycare and the Abbey Gates Bar - both in Kilwinning.

You can also contact Michael on 07961 540780 or via his Facebook page facebook.com/michael.kirkum.71.

His son Michael Kirkum Junior will also be assisting in the appeal and can also be contacted on Facebook at facebook.com/michael.kirkum.