Foundation’s appeal for funds leads to remarkable response

THE parents of Linda Norgrove, the Western Isles aid worker who died in a failed rescue attempt in Afghanistan in 2010, have been overwhelmed by the response to their latest appeal for funds.

John and Lorna Norgrove used their annual newsletter to explain they had decided to donate an additional £20,000 of their own savings to help fund new projects and they asked their supporters to match the funds.

As John explained: ‘We have several great long-term projects that rely on our regular funds where it’s impossible to stop funding without dire immediate consequences.

‘But at the same time we con- stantly receive applications for inspirational new projects and with our dwindling funds we simply weren’t able to support them.’

Including a Gift Aid element, their additional contribution amounted to £25,000. So in their Christmas newsletter, John and Lorna asked people to help match that in the hope they could raise a total of £ 50,000 to allow them to support some of these new projects.

As they explained: ‘We have developed a commitment over the past six years and don’t feel ready to stop when so many people’s life chances depend on the Linda Norgrove Foundation’s support – especially now that other charities have scaled back their operations, leaving Afghans feeling abandoned.’

And they have been overwhelmed by the response to their appeal. As Lorna Norgrove said: ‘Every day the postman was bringing new cheques and our funds were increasing at the rate of more than £1,000 per day. We have also doubled the amount we receive in regular donations.’

The special appeal has seen almost £55,000 more raised than in the same period the previous year. Together with John and Lorna’s contribution and Gift Aid they expect to raise more than £115,000 since the appeal.

For more information, go to www.lindanorgrovefoundation.org.