THE Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Revd Peter Hancock, has pledged his support to Somerset Community Foundation’s (SCF) Surviving Winter appeal which aims to raise £100,000 to help older people struggling with the cost of staying warm this winter.

He said: “Every so often a campaign comes along that just makes sense. The Surviving Winter Campaign is one of those.

“People who feel they can live without their winter fuel payment donate the money to help those struggling to pay fuel bills this winter.

“With increasing food and fuel bills some of our elderly neighbours are facing the stark choice of whether to heat or eat.

“That shouldn’t happen. While not at the age to qualify for the fuel payment just yet, I will be donating to the campaign and encourage others to do so, too.”

Last year the appeal helped 450 pensioner households in fuel poverty, many suffering from poor health made much worse by the cold weather.

One woman who received a grant said: “I can’t thank you enough. I have rheumatoid arthritis and feel the cold – and have the worry of using my gas central heating. This money is a big help to relieve my worry. Thank you.”

SCF needs at least 100 people from each district who can afford to donate their Winter Fuel Payment to support the appeal before the cold weather sets in.

 SCF chief executive Justin Sargent said: “We have established a very efficient system of distributing donations through local charities and community organisations but we need to be ready before the cold weather arrives.

“The scheme is driven entirely by the generosity of donors throughout Somerset. I urge anyone thinking of donating to do so at the earliest opportunity so we can get the funds in place ahead of when it is needed.”

Donations can be made via the SCF website, somersetcf.org.uk, or by sending a cheque to its office at Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN