Nottingham raising money for Haiti earthquake victims

MONEY for Haiti's earthquake victims is being raised all over Notts through donations and a range of unusual activities.

But Tim Beaver, of Mapperley Park, probably topped the weird list yesterday.

Tim Beaver runs around the Market Square to raise funds for the earthquake appeal.
Rescue teams work around the clock to try and treat the injured survivors of the earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday.
Another injured victim receives treatment
Some of the survivors
An injiured and shocked boy with a rescue worker
Cindy Terasme after seeing the feet of her dead 14-year-old brother in the rubble

Dressed in only his underpants, the Nottingham DJ ran around a chilly Market Square as onlookers cheered and gasped in equal measure.

"It was cold but worth it for the money we raised," the 37-year-old said.

"It was only a tiny fraction of discomfort compared to what those poor people in Haiti are feeling.

"I was moved to tears when I heard the first radio reports after the earthquake hit, hearing the cries of horrifically injured people who were not receiving any medical attention.

"I heard a girl crying who was about the age of my daughter and she sounded like she was being incredibly brave.

"That sound was terrible and I knew I had to do something."

His prank had raised approximately £1,000 in just under 24 hours yesterday for Medecins Sans Frontieres – a leading non-governmental organisation for emergency medical aid.

Polly Markandya, head of communications at Medecins Sans Frontieres, said: "Many of us have experienced nightmares of being virtually naked in public in our home city.

"The fact that Tim Beaver is prepared to brave the indignity, not to mention the cold, is testament to his commitment towards helping the people most affected by the Haiti quake."

To donate to Mr Beaver's drive, visit www.justgiving.com/Slim-Beaver.

The message from charities and the Government is to keep on giving as elsewhere in Notts more money is collected.

Students at Nottingham Trent university are planning a sponsored silence and dance off.

They will also hold coffee and tea sales, sports events and a one minute silence to raise funds for the UNICEF appeal.

Oliver Pensulo, a second year Law student studying at Nottingham Trent University, is organising the events.

People can also donate cash to Haiti earthquake victims in Beeston Square and High Road, Beeston today. The Rotary Club of Beeston will be collecting from 9.30am to 4pm.

Gordon Brown urged Britons to keep giving generously for the people of Haiti yesterday as he visited the headquarters of the fund-raising appeal.

People can help by calling Oxfam 0300 200 1999, by going visiting www.oxfam.org.uk or www. unicef.org.uk.

The Disasters Emergency Committee is also taking donations on 0370 60 60 900 or online via www.dec.org.uk

michael.greenwell@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk