SUFFERING domestic abuse at the hands of a violent ex-partner has inspired a Helensburgh woman to set up a new organisation aimed at helping those in a similar situation.

Natalie Wood fled from Manchester to West Yorkshire in 2016 with her then three-year-old son Aiden-Lee, after years of verbal and physical trauma.

With just the clothes on their backs, the pair pitched up at a charity called Tiny Hands Baby Bank in desperate need of support.

“I had nappies and pyjamas for my son in my bag,” Natalie said, “that’s all we had. We had no bedding, nothing.

“The baby bank helped us find clothing, housing, furnishings for the house and we got donations.

“From nothing, we had everything we needed to survive, and it gave me a lot of confidence as well.”

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Three years on, after moving to Helensburgh in August and settling down with partner Paul, Natalie has launched her own baby bank, Bouncing Baby, in the hope of reaching out to families and young parents struggling to make ends meet.

“I want to give something back,” said Natalie.

“If I can do here what they did for me down in Yorkshire, then I am giving back and then some.

“My house is full of stuff, children’s toys, books, clothes. My partner is running around mad picking up stuff.

“The response we’ve had so far has been amazing and I was in tears after putting out the initial post asking for donations.”

Natalie, 28, is happy to be in a healthy relationship with Paul, while Aiden-Lee, now 7, is thriving alongside one-year-old brother Sebastian and another baby is on the way.

However, the young mum is all too aware that there are plenty of people in a less fortunate position, and she is keen to assist in any way she can.

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She said: “We live in what you would call a nice part of Helensburgh, but we’re still close to a lot of deprivation.

“We know that Clarks, the last shoe shop in the town, is closing down and a lot of people don’t have transport to travel elsewhere.

“They will struggle. If we are here and can collect shoes and pass them on, then that’s saving them a bit of money.

“I spent £150 just on my son’s school uniform, so I know how expensive it is.

“A lot of parents can’t afford the basics and it’s gut wrenching seeing that.

“Me and my son could’ve been like that, we might never have gotten out of Manchester, might never have arrived in Helensburgh and wouldn’t be doing this now.

“My son’s at Hermitage Primary and they’ve got kids in there who you can tell their parents are struggling.

“We want to work with families and social services, the food bank and the elderly, foster carers as well.

“I didn’t expect it to go boom this quick.

“I’m hoping to get a centre or somewhere to store all the items, otherwise I might have to ask my neighbour if I can use her garage or living room!”

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Natalie is asking for donations of essentials such as clothing, nappies, baby food, toys, towels and prams and anything else that is safe to pass on.

If you can help, get in touch through the Facebook page @BouncingbabybabyBank or visit the website bouncingbabybabybank.co.uk.