A NURSE and fundraiser from Frampton Cotterell and her husband have redirected their attention from their charity in Nepal to focus on the immediate needs of the people affected by a deadly earthquake.


Helen Crook, 53, and her husband Paul, 53, set up New Futures Nepal to support disadvantaged children and adults after falling in love with the country during a charity tour in 2002, and have accelerated their fund-raising programme to support those affected by the recent earthquake which struck near Nepal's capital Katmandu on Saturday, April 25.


The couple had organised a fundraising ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats on behalf of their charity for July and are now bringing forward the appeal element.


More than 3,600 people died in the earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, and its surrounding areas and more than 6,500 people have been injured, according to the National Emergency Operation Centre.


Mrs Crook, a paediatric community nurse working mainly in South Gloucestershire, said: “New Futures Nepal already supports the Hope Centre in the Kathmandu Valley which empowers disadvantaged children and adults by promoting health, education and independence and supports social integration for children with disabilities to live in the community.


“The money we were originally aiming to raise for new projects will now have to go towards supporting those affected.


“Many people have lost family members, homes , livelihoods and others will have significant injuries. Our focus will be helping them to rebuild their lives and to rebuild communities.

"We are taking advice and will work alongside other agencies to establish the best way forward and the type of help required.


“We have launched an appeal fund for the earthquake disaster to start raising money right now."


Mrs Crooks has scheduled to kick off her 15 Days for 15 Children ride fundraiser in Land’s End on July 9 to raise money for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK and New Futures Nepal.


She added: “The earthquake has heightened attention and underlined the importance of the work the charity has already committed to but your support is needed more than ever.”


To make a donation to the cause visit virginmoneygiving.com/HelenCrookLEJOG2015.