THE first donations for Stourbridge News’ Well of Life Appeal have started to roll in.

So far £102 has been donated to our cause by kind-hearted supporters to help save lives in the drought-hit Gambian village of Sintet.

However, we still have a long way to go if we are to reach our £10,000 total.

Joining forces with Project Gambia pupils at Ridgewood High School in Wollaston, funds raised by the appeal will go towards the building, installation and running of a water pump and irrigation system in the village.

Currently the villagers are suffering after a wet season which produced little rain, meaning their wells have been left short of water and crops have not been able to grow.

The water pump will provide the village with a constant source of water throughout the year.

Karamo, one of the leaders of Project Gambia in Sintet, said: “Thank you very much for another wonderful move.

“We, the people of Sintet, cannot wait to have clean drinking water in our village. It will be the most important event that ever happened here.”

If you are carrying out an event to help raise funds for the Well of Life Appeal please call our reporter Dan Sharp on 01384 358223, or email dan.sharp@stourbridgenews.co.uk with details.

To make a donation now visit http://www.justgiving.com/welloflifeappeal/or text PROG15 and your amount, either £10, £5, £4, £3, £2, £1, to 70070.

People can also donate cash or cheques in person at the Stourbridge News offices, at St John’s House, St John’s Road, Stourbridge.

Cheques need to be made payable to Project Gambia Trust Ridgewood, and you’ll need to write Well of Life Appeal on the back.

You can also join our appeal conversation on social media by including #WellofLife on your post.