Two weeks on from the launch of our £1m Towards A Brighter Future appeal and already the money is coming in. Claire Fry looks back at some of the stories we have featured in our campaign

OUR Towards A Brighter Future appeal is making fantastic progress in helping Worcester-based bereavement charity Noah's Ark build a base in the heart of the community.

The total raised to date is £6,814.65 in donations from kind-hearted people.

Launched on Monday, January 7, we have featured a series of articles about some of the families Noah's Ark has helped through their grief over the years, and we have asked you to do whatever you can to help our fund-raising efforts.

James Luke, aged 14, was living in Ledbury when his mother died from cancer and he and his father Ray had to arrange her funeral.

They used the charity to help come to terms with what happened and meet others in a similar situation to them.

Jess Knight and her mother Lesley, of Blackpole, Worcester, were devastated after father Phil died three years ago.

Jess, now 13, was just nine years old and she and her mother felt like there was a huge gap in their lives.

"When this happens to you, initially you just have to live one day at a time.

"You soon realise that you must look ahead for the sake of the family, and Noah's Ark gives you the support you need to do this," said Mrs Knight.

Having a big family and friend network of support helped Sarah Bevan and her 11-year-old daughter Lily when husband and father Nick died from cancer.

But Mrs Bevan was anxious to ensure her daughter was supported by the trust's bereavement co-ordinators.

"Although she was supported by so many family members and friends I wanted to make sure because sometimes talking to someone who isn't involved in your troubles can really help," said the 41-year-old, of Battenhall, Worcester.

These are just some of the hundreds of children and families the charity has supported over the past 10 years.

But there is still a long way to go to reach the target and we are anxious to hear about all the fund-raising events you have planned.

Gabby Beddows, head of operations at the trust said : "It is a fantastic effort so early on in the appeal. I would like to thank all those people who have sent us money and cheques.

"Unfortunately we haven't had addresses for some. If people sending us money could let us have an address so that we can send them a thankyou letter and also send them a Gift Aid form we would be very grateful.

"I have every confidence that with the support of the people in Worcestershire we can reach our target."

l Mrs Beddows and Worcester News editor Kevin Ward will feature on Paul Ellery's Wyvern FM show this morning between 5am and 10am to talk about the appeal and the work Noah's Ark does.

Tell us about your fund-raising event

Fun fund-raising events are a great way of helping the Towards A Brighter Future appeal. If you're planning an event, let us know and we'll publicise it in print and online. Just contact reporter Claire Fry on 01905 742263 or e-mail cf@worcester news.co.uk

How to donate

Visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk and click on the Support Us' button. You can go directly to the Noah's Ark site from www.worcesternews.co.uk. Or call the office on 01905 745735 or post a cheque, made payable to Noah's Ark Trust, to Noah's Ark Trust, 1-4 Canalside, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester, WR1 2RS.