Suffolk’s Surviving Winter Campaign is looking to double the £30,000 raised so far thanks to an anonymous private donor.

Ipswich Star: Launch of this year's Surviving Winter campaign. Pictured is Tim Holder. Picture: GREGG BROWNLaunch of this year's Surviving Winter campaign. Pictured is Tim Holder. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The donor is laying down a specific challenge for the people of Suffolk - they will match every pound donated by readers of the East Anglian Daily Times to a maximum of £15,000.

Tim Holder, from the Suffolk Community Foundation said: “The Fundraising has got off to a really great start, but the offer of a £15,000 match fund to encourage more people to give could not have come at a more important moment.

“The cold weather is hitting Suffolk much earlier this year and people are coming forward in far larger numbers, concerned that they won’t be able to afford to heat their homes.”

Requests for help are being processed by Citizen’s Advice across Suffolk via a special helpline 01473 298634 or through their local offices.

Ipswich Star: Surviving Winter donation formSurviving Winter donation form (Image: Archant)

Nicky Willshire from Citizens Advice said: “The appeal managed to raise enough to heat 641 homes last winter, but already we have awarded 150 payments this year, with the same number again being worked through currently and another 40 new request for help arriving each day at the moment.

“It’s great to know that people are aware that help is available, but it’s so important that more people support the appeal so that we can continue to say yes to anyone who really needs our help.”

National statistics reveal that more than 700 people in Suffolk die each year because of poor living conditions and lack of heating with levels of fuel poverty some of the highest in the UK.

For every fatality there are a further seven hospital admissions putting enormous pressure on the health care system.

In Suffolk this means that more people lose their lives in one winter than all the combined road traffic accidents, drug addiction and alcohol related deaths in a whole year.

Giving is easy - just call 01473 602602 and make a donation by debit or credit card.

You can also call in to any branch of Ipswich Building Society to make your gift, donate online at www.suffolkcf.org.uk or fill in the coupon and post your donation to Tim Holder, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BB.