Children's charity thanks our readers

MORE THAN pounds 6,000 has been raised in donations and pledges by readers of the Independent on Sunday for our Christmas appeal charity, Hope and Homes for Children. The latest supporter of the appeal is Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, who has made a personal donation of pounds 1,000.

"The response has been growing every day," said Mark Cook, who set up Hope and Homes for Children after serving as commander with British forces in Bosnia. "We are a small charity which creates families for children around the world, and we like to think of ourselves and our donors as a family as well, giving them support.

"My wife, Caroline, and I spend every evening writing back to thank everyone who gives money to Hope and Homes for Children. We hope they will become supporters for life - though that doesn't mean we keep pressing them for donations."

HOPE AND HOMES, PAGE 12