Readers rescue mercy dash

The trip by Hailsham-based Computers for Charities to hand out food and medicine had been scrapped after a company collapsed owing £600, which was needed to finance the mission.

Charity founder Simon Rooksby had no choice but to cancel at the 11th hour, leaving Aids orphans in Zimbabwe and South Africa empty-handed.

But after the charity's plight was highlighted in The Argus more than £1,500 has flooded in to keep the relief campaign going.

One £600 donation came from a firm in America after bosses saw the story on The Argus's web site.

Another £700 gift was given by an 84-year-old woman, from Hailsham, who said she could not bear knowing the orphans would go without aid.

Dozens of calls of encouragement have also been received from people touched by the campaign.

Mr Rooksby was last night due to fly from Gatwick to the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, where two tons of medicine and food is stored before helping distribute it to those who need it most.

He said: "It's simply amazing. To be honest we had lost hope but thanks to readers of The Argus we are now able to go ahead with it.

"I've never known a response like it. Within hours of the story appearing, we had so many calls and donations promised.

"All the money will be spent on the trip, getting the equipment out of customs and transporting it.

"Since the story appeared, we've been overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"It is at times like this that your faith in humanity is restored."

The mercy mission was thrown into chaos just days before it was due to begin.

South Wales-based Precious Metals Industries Group Ltd went into liquidation, owing the charity £600.

Set up in 1994 in a loft, Computers For Charities is run entirely by volunteers.

During the ten years, 100,000 African children have been helped into education thanks to the charity's efforts.

The group's latest fund-raising initiative is an album called Thank You featuring recordings by African youngsters and artists.