THE sheer devastation of the Asian tsunami disaster and the immense suffering is what inspired four of Worcester's biggest organisations to support the Evening News' Wishband Appeal.

Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Cathedral Plaza and CrownGate Shopping Centre are the sponsors behind our campaign to raise thousands of pounds for the victims.

They have stumped up the money for 15,000 aquamarine wristbands, embossed with the words "Tsunami - Funding the Future", which are to go on sale across the city for a minimum donation of £1.50 each.

The campaign is being supported by a range of celebrities and local people and aims to raise at least £22,500.

Here, our sponsors explain why they decided to become involved.

Manager of the Cathedral Plaza John Kendrick said: "The size of the disaster and the growing number of dead is just terrible.

"If we can make a difference to people's lives then we are delighted to be involved."

CrownGate centre manager, Carolyn Mantle, said: "I am sure all of us were deeply affected by the scenes of total devastation following the tsunami at Christmas and felt, as I did, quite helpless in the face of the scale of the catastrophe.

"Supporting the Tsunami Wishband Appeal is just one of the small, but positive, gestures we can make that will have a real impact in helping to rebuild the millions of lives shattered on Boxing Day."

Chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Coun Derek Prodger, who donated £500 to the appeal from his chairman's allowance, said: "The result of this will be tremendous boost to the tsunami appeal fund and a very good income stream in that part of the world.

"We have to take care of this desperate situation. Worcestershire people will back the appeal and when they see who is involved, will want to help as best they can.

"I'm glad to fund part of the £3,000 to buy the bands and wish you every success."

Christine Jones, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "The Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, is at the heart of an enormously powerful network of businesses and it is nice to be able to use that power to help other people.

"By partnering with the Evening News on the Tsunami Wishband Appeal not only are we contributing directly to the appeal but we are hoping to galvanise our thousands of members and other businesses in the two counties.

"If we all chip in we can really make a difference. I would urge businesses to get behind the appeal and sell the wristbands to their customers, suppliers and partner organisations."

No TV pays

off for Laura

TWELVE-year-old Laura McFee went for a week without watching television or playing on her PlayStation, to raise money for the tsunami disaster fund.

Laura, a Christopher Whitehead pupil from Lambert Road, St John's, made £200 through sponsorship and by giving her own pocket money.

"She found it really difficult. I wish she'd just given up chocolate instead," said mum Trish.

Rail efforts

PASSENGERS travelling on the Severn Valley Railway this weekend will be helping to raise funds for the aid effort.

Bosses at the historic Kidderminster to Bridgnorth railway will be donating £1 from every fare taken and hope to raise more than £1,000 through the scheme.

Mum wants

baby boxes

A MUM is appealing to kind-hearted people to donate baby clothes and items for youngsters caught up in the disaster.

Sarah Marshall, of Foxwell Street, Red Hill, Worcester has been running "Operation Baby Box" for two weeks and has been overwhelmed by the response.

The mother-of-two has been asking for people to give nappies, wipes, baby grows, vests, terry nappies or muslin squares, shorts, t-shirts and other clothing items.

She has already got a van full of goods, which she plans to deliver to RAF Wroughton, in Swindon, to be jetted out to some of the worst-hit areas.

Mrs Marshall is hoping to run the appeal for another two weeks. Anyone who can help out can call her on 07817 176358.