Philippa Bottill, of Balance Pilates Studio in Newark, has been fundraising for Newark Women’s Aid refuge and raised £1,000

Dozens of bags filled with supplies and treats have been collected for vulnerable women and their families.

Philippa Bottill, of Balance Pilates Studio, Newark, has been fundraising for Newark Women’s Aid refuge with Mandie Elson, who volunteers for the charity.

The refuge has provided a safe place for women and children fleeing from domestic violence since the 1970s, and is the only one of its kind in the Newark area.

The charity needs to raise £140,000 a year to stay open, but its main funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is due to end in March, leaving a shortfall of £83,000 a year.

Mandie posted on Facebook before Christmas with an appeal asking people to donate much-needed supplies for women and their children fleeing from domestic abuse.

Philippa saw the appeal and wanted to help, so she asked her clients who attend her classes to make a contribution, and the response, she said, was overwhelming.

“I heard about their funding possibly ending and I really wanted to help. I can’t believe how much stuff people have given. It is wonderful.”

Donations Philippa’s clients have given include essential cleaning products, toiletries, bedding, childrens’ gifts and toys, treats including chocolate and biscuits, towels and much more. One generous well-wisher has even donated an iPad.

Philippa also asked for her clients to donate the cost of a pilates class (£10) and she would match it. In this way, the clients gave £500 and, with Philippa’s contribution, £1,000 has also been raised for the refuge.

Mandie said: “I’m blown away by the generosity of everybody, the gifts donated before Christmas were handed out to those who needed them and it made them so happy. There were tears.”

One of Philippa’s clients, Julie Knight, asked for donations to be made to Newark Women’s Aid when she marries her partner, Steve Martin, in September.

She said: “There is nothing we need because we have got two houses full of everything, so we have asked people to give the money to Newark Women’s Aid instead.

“We have asked the guests at our wedding for either money or for supermarket vouchers, so the ladies can buy everything they need.”