A HELMSLEY businesswoman is raising awareness for rescue organisation, which are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lynn Hempsall, owner of Helmsley Traditional Sweetshop, has travelled to Borneo and Uganda twice over the last five years to support the protection of great apes.

Raising more than £2,098 for medical equipment, last November, Lynn has launched a sweet-themed charity fundraiser with bags of foam bananas available from Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop, with £1 from each bag going to related charities.

“All trips to see these amazing creatures have been stopped for months, not just because tourists cannot get there, but because we could take coronavirus to these very poor countries that have very little medical care,” said Lynn.

“Coronavirus could wipe out the whole rescue centre if it got in.

“It is also thought that the mountain gorillas could be wiped out by the virus.”

With the postponement of international flights, many protection organisations are unable to fundraise or welcome volunteers.

The great apes are depleting in numbers and will likely become extinct in the next 20 years due to deforestation of their habitat.

“People have been so kind with their donations, despite the current climate,” added Lynn.

“If anyone can spare any money, it would be so hugely appreciated – I cannot tell you what it means to the communities and their hard work.”

For more information, visit helmsleysweets.co.uk