Jo's gift for Asia appeal (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Jo's gift for Asia appeal

A Tewkesbury girl was so moved by the disaster in South East Asia she has given all her Christmas money to the appeal.

Jo Tate, who is a seven-year-old pupil at Tewkesbury C of E Primary School, was devastated when she saw a picture of a father carrying his dead baby, who looked the same age as her brother, John.

She immediately emptied the box that held around £100 she had been given in Christmas money and said she wanted to give it to help them.

Her step brother and sister, Jack and Betty Steger also donated their Christmas gift money.

They gave the money through the firemen, who were out in the streets collecting.

Now the family is hoping to put on a fund-raising event of some kind.

The firefighters spent just over two hours collecting and raised over £2,300.

Station officer Phil Ryan was delighted and would like to thank everyone for their generosity.

A collection at the Abbey has already raised £11,500 and will continue at least until the end of the week.

Spokesman Andrew Turner said: "We have been moved by the overwhelming generosity of people who came in.

"A pensioner gave us her winter heating allowance and a small boy handed over all his pocket money.

"The Bell Hotel made a very substantial donation of money raised during a New Year's Eve function.

"We thought the town needed a central point for donations and the Abbey seemed to be the appropriate place to do it."

If the collection point at the back of the Abbey is unmanned money can be handed in at the Abbey Shop.

Every penny raised will be sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Tewkesbury's Oxfam shop too is having a fantastic response, with people bringing in large donations on a regular basis.

Manager John Broad said: "We are doing very, very well, which is typical of the people of Tewkesbury."

Do you have any fund-raising events? Ring Peggy Clatworthy at the Tewkesbury admag on 01684 297719.