STRONG support is continuing for a life-saving campaign that aims to keep vulnerable people safe and warm this winter - ensuring it is still on course for a record breaking total.

The grand sum for the East Anglian Daily Times’ Surviving Winter appeal now stands at an impressive �52,931.

The campaign, which is also being led by Age UK Suffolk and The Suffolk Foundation with support from the East of England Co-operative Society, asks those who can afford to do so to donate their Winter Fuel Payment to help vulnerable people pay their energy bills and stay warm as temperatures plummet.

However more support is still needed if last year’s total of �55,000 - which helped 250 people - is to be improved upon.

The East Suffolk Association for the Blind has now thrown its weight behind the appeal to ensure the good work continues.

Beverley Alderton, a community worker with the charity, said: “East Suffolk Association for the Blind are highly supportive of this excellent scheme which provides help and reduces hardship for those most badly impacted by the rising heating costs.

“Last year a few of our members were relieved beneficiaries of this scheme and we know they were hugely grateful for the support they received.”

Stephen Singleton, chief executive of The Suffolk Foundation, has previously said: “We are simply astounded and delighted by the reaction to the Surviving Winter appeal and would like to thank the East Anglian Daily Times readers for their generosity and desire to help vulnerable older people.

“The support has already enabled Age UK Suffolk to start distributing grants to those most in need and, as expected, we are seeing a significant demand for help as we progress with the campaign.

“This year our aim is to reach out to even more older people in need and with this continued generous support we are determined to make that happen.”

Winter fuel payments range from �100 to �300, depending on your age and circumstances. Anyone getting the state pension should be entitled to the payments; more is given to those over 80.

Surviving Winter forms are printed regularly in the EADT and all the details are available to help people make a contribution.

Pledge forms can also be picked up from all East of England Co-operative Society stores throughout the winter.

You can call The Suffolk Foundation directly on 01473 602602 to pay by card or visit its website, www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk for more information.