This may be the season of good will, but for a beleaguered group of predominantly women this week - the run up to Christmas - is known as ’fight week’.

The fighting is domestic and it is so bad - physically and/or mentally - many are forced to flee home and the Women’s Refuge is currently full to overflowing with five families.

’Don’t you think it’s terrible it’s so predictable they have a name for fight week,’ said Alan Buck, who coordinates donations to several charities, including the refuge.

Alan has personal experience of domestic abuse as his father was a ’violent alcoholic’ he said subjecting the family to years of sustained and terrifying aggression.

He also was a police officer and rose to be head of CID in Cardiff. So the Women’s Refuge was ’close to his heart’ as the recipient for donations for charity which he received.

It all began in October when he heard a programme on the radio about the Casserole Club, ’it matches cooks with diners,’ he said. ’People can share a home cooked meal with a neighbour who is unable to cook through age, infirmity, disability or (sadly for the Isle of Man) poverty.’

’I floated the idea on Facebook, 450 people wanted to join.’

Setting up a branch of the club takes time, so impatient to do something people began donating food, which went to the food bank and homeless charity Graih.

They also gave goods and he has been inundated. ’It’s mad, there are toys, clothes, food, games, electronic goods. I’m here two to three hours every day. People are unbelievably generous ’

In addition to donating toys to the refuge, he’s also putting together pamper packs for the women, who with no chance to pack a bag usually leave home just in the clothes they are wearing.

Donations of cash will go towards a desperately needed new kitchen and bathroom at the refuge.

The charities may reveal a dark under belly of Manx society, but it is balanced by the public’s response he said.

’I have invented a new word, "Manxnificent". I’m overwhelmed.’

People with nothing are offering a tin of soup. It’s kindness, love and generosity.’

See on Facebook ’Isle of Man share a meal’, or to make a financial donation see https://www.youcaring.com/childrenatthewomensaidisleofman-1033148.

Alan Buck with a car full of gifts