Cheshire Phoenix star Jordan Williams says that childhood experience prompted him to dig deep for the Big Yellow Self Storage Christmas Toy Appeal.

The American forward donated £100 to the appeal, which is being run in partnership with the Nix, after benefiting from a similar appeal when he was a child growing up in the Dallas suburbs.

And having a young son of his own, Texan Williams knows the importance of initiatives like the Toy Appeal and was only too happy to offer his assistance.

"Me donating to those kids is something that I do from the heart because as a kid I never received many gifts at Christmas time," said Williams, who arrived at the Nix in the summer after a fine college career at the University of North Texas in the NCAA Division One.

Cheshire Phoenix are backing the Big Yellow Storage Toy Appeal
Cheshire Phoenix are backing the Big Yellow Storage Toy Appeal

"One year at school something similar happened to me, my little brother and my classmates where people donated toys to us.

"Plus me having a son, I know how these things put a smile on kids' faces and it's something that they won't forget."

The Phoenix are backing the appeal prior to their BBL Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle Eagles at the Cheshire Oaks Arena on Sunday (5.30pm) where fans are encouraged to bring along an unwrapped present to donate to the appeal.