DONORS have been reassured none of Worcester’s leading charities have money tied up in the crisis-hit Icelandic banks.

Noah’s Ark Trust for bereaved children, St Richard’s Hospice which supports people with life-threatening illness and Leukaemia Care are all unaffected by the turmoil.

The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust based in Barbourne stated it only had UK-based investments.

Noah’s Ark’s chief executive said the charity was not exposed to the crisis and had no investments with all donations poured into providing its vital services.

Gabby Beddows explained: “It doesn’t affect us.

“We don’t have investments because like many charities we use what we get.

“I would love to think we had some money stashed away somewhere but we don’t and instead rely greatly on the community to provide services for bereaved children.”

She added there could be trouble ahead for good causes as people tighten their belts and wholesale donors are hit by the crisis in the financial markets.

Ms Beddows added: “I’m concerned about getting money but we have a lot of supporters and believe they would always help local charities.

“However we do make applications to trusts who I think will have a reduced amount of money to give away next year.”

Leukaemia Care, based in Blackpole, has no investments while none of St Richard’s Hospice’s cash, in Wildwood Drive, is at risk.

John Bawden, St Richard’s chairman, said: “We have investments but none are exposed to either the Icelandic or US sub-prime mortgage problems.”