I THANK all readers who have responded so generously to the disasters emergency committee (DEC) Sudan Appeal.

Since the launch of the appeal last week £10 million has been raised and the target of £15 million looks set to be reached.

The money will be used by the 11 member agencies of the DEC, including British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Cafod and Oxfam, to help provide those fleeing the violence in Sudan with shelter, clean water and sanitation. It will also provide emergency food aid and basic items such as water buckets, blankets and soap.

The need in the Darfur region of Sudan and over the border in neighbouring Chad is immense. The UN recently estimated that there are 1.2 million people who have fled their villages as a result of violence in Darfur.

To make a donation to the Sudan Appeal readers can visit the DEC website at www.dec.org.uk, telephone 0870 60 60 900, or send a cheque or postal order made payable to: DEC Sudan Emergency, PO Box 999, London EC3.

Jonathan Dorsett,

North of England campaigns

officer, Oxfam,

Park Square East,

Leeds.

Updated: 10:17 Tuesday, August 03, 2004