An appeal to help Devon residents who cannot afford to heat their homes has been boosted thanks to a former MP and the Bishop of Exeter. Devon Community Foundation's Surviving Winter Appeal sees people who feel they can manage to forego all, or part, of their winter fuel payment donating it to help save lives this winter - and, as the weather gets colder, an appeal has gone out for more people to donate. All local people are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford just in time for Christmas to prevent older people in need having to choose between eating and heating. The scheme has been backed by former MP Ann Widdecombe and the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell. Mrs Widdecombe, who lives on Dartmoor, said: "I think that supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal is vital, in Devon alone 600 vulnerable and older people are at risk of death this winter due to nothing more than the cold. "Donating your winter fuel payment could help to save a life and support local people in real need and I hope anyone who feels they can will follow suit." Generous local people have already contributed nearly £7,000 to the scheme this year and Devon Community Foundation is again working with Citizens Advice Bureaux across the county to get the money exactly where it is needed most. The Bishop of Exeter also appealed to people to give what they could to help make a difference to people's lives. He said: "In the Bleak Midwinter is the nation's favourite Christmas carol, but the cold of midwinter can kill and fuel poverty makes many older people intensely vulnerable. Donating your winter fuel payment can save someone else's life." People can donate at www.justgiving.com/DCFSurvivingWinter14/ or send a cheque made out to Devon Community Foundation with a gift aid form to: Surviving Winter, Devon Community Foundation, The Factory, Leat Street, Tiverton, EX16 5LL Funds raised will be redirected to elderly and vulnerable people in Devon to help them keep their homes warm and to alleviate the effects of fuel poverty.
