THE Stourbridge News Well of Life appeal has got off to a flying start with a £1,000 donation from Black Country businessman Geoff Hill.

Aiming to raise £10,000 for a water pump to serve the Gambian village of Sintet, the appeal is already well underway after just a week – with donations amounting to £1,263 having flooded in.

Mr Hill, who first opened his electrical firm in Amblecote’s High Street more than 50 years ago, said donating to local causes is his way of putting something back into the community.

The 87-year-old said: “I like giving my support to major projects, especially as the village is so very deprived.

“I have the money to do it so I might as well do a nice thing and help others.

“The money I made from my shop came from the local community so I see my donations as my way of putting it back to where it came from.”

The appeal is being carried out in conjunction with Ridgewood High School’s Project Gambia initiative.

It involves students, staff, and members of the local community travelling to The Gambia for a week each year to experience life in a developing country.

Pupils from Stourbridge primary schools will be visiting the Wollaston school today to donate medical equipment, school supplies and clothing which will be taken to The Gambia when pupils next head out to Africa on March 23.

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 donate to our Well of Life appeal visit www.justgiving.com/welloflifeappeal.

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 off Life Appeal on the back.