The Sri Lankan Trust to Aid and Rebuild Tangalle has now achieved the fantastic sum of more than £12,000 thanks to the generosity of Pembrokeshire people. Some of our smallest communities have raised fantastic sums of money. In Lampeter Velfrey, the initial £500 raised at a coffee morning has been more than doubled through a dinner held last Saturday at the Rectory and donations from the local WI. Meanwhile, over at Penally, £700 was raised at a coffee morning. Many pubs are also busy fund-raising for START. The Castle Inn at Manorbier is planning a weekend of meals and entertainment. START is now fund-raising internationally too. A Swansea man, working as a construction lawyer in Hong Kong, is doing a sponsored cycle ride from Bangkok to Phuket, a journey of 600 miles estimated to take six days. In four days, he has raised an amazing £1,500 before he even sets off. Exciting news came regarding possible TV coverage when Jane Cowper met Brian Cook, husband of Sue Cook, BBC Watchdog presenter. He is considering doing a documentary about the Tsunami and the START appeal. START representative in Sri Lanka, Michael Gillingham is currently filming, and fact-finding. He will soon report back as to where the money raised can do most good. It is hoped to earmark a large percentage to help the devastated schools and children who have lost everything. Donations to the Trust can be made at any National Westminster Bank to START account number 71011374, sort code 55-61-35.
