STAFF at Morrisons in Malton who have a former colleague working in Nepal have organised a series of fundraisers for the country’s earthquake disaster appeal.

Samuel Mills, from Norton, who previously worked at the supermarket, had travelled out to Nepal to volunteer at a school for four months.

He said he was now in Thailand after being told to leave the country by the British Embassy.

“The Nepalis have been helpful and charming to us during the whole experience even though they lost everything,” he said.

“After the earthquake hit I stayed for two weeks where I did two food drops to remote villages, and helped getting supplies and bagging supplies and would have stayed if the British government hadn’t demanded that we leave.

“People are now living in tents as their houses have been ruined and the ones that are left standing still may have to be destroyed depending on what the engineers say.

“They will also have to pay for this themselves, as their government will not help.”

Pam Friend, community champion at Morrisons in Malton, said staffhad organised a five-day bucket collection for Nepal and raised £960, along with a tombola, which made £410.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and customers for all the donations they donated and helping support this good cause,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ryedale trustees of charity New Futures Nepal, said their earthquake appeal had now totalled £12,500.

Colin Culley, and his wife Sandra, of Lockton, is a founding trustee of New Futures Nepal, which runs the Hope Centre orphanage in the Kathmandu area, said the charity would match that sum and add a further £12,500 from its Lifeline’s Fund.

“This means that we now have £25,000 to help the victims of this catastrophic earthquake,” he said.

“Every penny of this will go to help the victims of this tragic, tragic event and the charity will target where the funds can be utilised to full advantage.

“Only projects that can be paid for directly and monitored will be considered, which is how the charity works and has done for the last 13 years.”

Colin said he and Sandra last visited the Hope Centre orphanage in October 2013 where they organised a self help project for the children to redecorate their home.

“We plan to return in 2016 when the challenges will no doubt be considerably more vital and would like to thank everyone who has donated for their generosity,” he said.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the fundraising efforts can text NEWF01 £10 to 70070 or donate online via the website newfuturesnepal.org

Cheques can also be sent to New Futures Nepal, 9 Sherlock Mews, London, W1H 6DP.