Liz Coates An appeal launched to help children in Kenya has more than doubled its original target in little more than a week.Bruno Peek put out a plea for 25 school desks at £30 each - and by Monday generous readers had paid for 50.

Liz Coates

An appeal launched to help children in Kenya has more than doubled its original target in little more than a week.

Bruno Peek put out a plea for 25 school desks at £30 each - and by Monday generous readers had paid for 50.

The Mercury kicked off the appeal by funding the first, which comes with note books, pens, pencils and geometry set.

Other donors included families who opted to fund a desk instead of sending Christmas cards and school children like six-year-old Emily Takman from Lowestoft who is pooling her pocket money with friends.

“Our message at the moment is a big thank you,” said Mr Peek. “I was so amazed by the quick response. I am so grateful to the Mercury and to all those people who have given so generously. The kids are so excited to know they will be getting their desks in time for Christmas.

“It's a nice campaign to be involved in and it's very much a borough appeal.”

Mr Peek said he hoped the link could be fostered long term and is launching an appeal in January to fund a new classroom to house the extra desks.

“I got one cheque the other day for £500 from someone who wants to remain anonymous. But what I have said to him is that that could be used to kick-start the appeal.”

Mercury editor Anne Edwards, said she was “highly delighted” by the response, adding that Mercury readers had an excellent track record in supporting good causes.

Mr Peek stressed that every penny donated would be spent on the desk and stationery packs, and not diverted to admin or any other back up services.

He is travelling to the school, run by Pat Botwright from Diss, in December to oversee the making of the desks by local carpenters and take photographs of each young person with their desk, sent to donors as a permanent reminder of their involvement.

Donations had come from as far as West Sussex, with local people spreading the word by sending copies of the Mercury to friends and family who have moved away.

“This is great news. This will enable us to use the new desks in the new classroom we want to build at the children's home/school early next year. Donations have come in from individuals and commercial companies alike, and I would like to applaud and salute their generosity, especially as times are getting harder in relation to the economy.

“However, it shows, 'When you have very little to give, give the very little you have, When you have nothing to give, please do your best to find something to give. If you really want to give to help others, you will always find something to give, even though you may have to go without to give'.

“I would like to confirm that 100pc of the money raised will go towards the costs of the desk packages. All administration costs, and costs with regard to my visits to Kenya are being paid out of my own pocket.

“What a great Christmas present for a child that has either been taken off the street or abandoned. When taken in to the home, they had no future to look forward to, but through the generosity of others and they now receive the love from Pat and the other children in the home, and can now look forward to a loving environment, and an eduation that will enhance their prospects when leaving school and the home.”

The classroom appeal will be kicked off in January but and cheques made payable to Covenant Home Trust can be sent to Mr Peek at 21 Coverdale Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 8TD.