THE first donation has come in for the Dorset Echo’s appeal to help those affected by the devastating Philippines typhoon.

The Echo has joined forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which encompasses all of the UK major aid agencies, as it launches an urgent appeal for help.

Responding to the local call was 72-year-old Ken Evans who came into the Weymouth Echo offices and presented a cheque for £100.

He and wife Elizabeth had seen the appeal in the Echo and been watching the events unfold on television and wanted to help.

The couple said they had been on a couple of cruises and met people from the Philippines.

Mr Evans, from Weymouth, said he and his wife had been really touched by the plight of the people and wanted to do their bit.

He said: “It’s a really needy cause isn’t it? It’s awful.”

The 145mph typhoon Haiyanripped across the country, leaving roads impassable, putting airports out of action and hampering relief efforts.

The DEC said that at least 10,000 people have died in Tacloban alone.

The DEC appeal has now raised £13 million.

How you can donate to appeal

  • TO make a donation, you can send a cheque made payable to ‘DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal’ to the Dorset Echo offices at Granby Industrial Estate, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD; Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE or at the Bridport News, 67 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LB.

You can also visit dec.org.uk or call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque.

You can also make a donation of £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

What your money will buy those in need:

  • £25 – Water purification tablets for ten families for a month
  • £50 – Feed a family for two weeks
  • £100 – Emergency shelter and bedding for a family