THE community response to a soup kitchen being set up to help those starving because of benefit sanctions has been "overwhelming." 

Hundreds of people have rallied around to offer help and cash and over the Christmas period there will be a mobile soup kitchen doing the rounds. 

They have also found a permanent base at St Matthew's Hall, Highfield Road, Barrow.

Security guard John Wright was so shocked by news a starving soldier died after his benefits were axed he and Anthony Merchant and Sharon Foden decided they needed to do something. Dave Clapson, from Stevenage, died with just £3.44 left in his account after his Jobseeker’s Allowance was axed because he missed an appointment. Stripped of his income, the 59-year-old could not afford food or electricity and died starving, ­penniless and alone at his home. His death was from diabetic ­ketoacidosis – caused by not taking his insulin. 

Mr Wright, of Salthouse Road, Barrow, was so moved by the story he set up a Facebook group called Barrow Soup Kitchen to muster support for his venture to help those in need. So far it has just over 182 members. 

Since the story was first published in the Evening Mail last week appealing for help Mr Wright said the response has been amazing.

The 45-year-old explained: "We are going to be asking people to do ate to the kitty which will be at the hall. We have lots of people who want to help.

"One guy even said we can use his mobile home which has a kitchen. So over Christmas we will be able to run a mobile soup kitchen.

"Everything has happened so quickly and we will hopelyy have it up and running in the next two weeks.

"I want to thank everyone who has got in touch to help us make this happened."

If you want to help in anyway contact Mr Wright via the Facebook group or calling 07860815474.