Thousands of pounds raised after Chichester grandmother's appeal to provide laptops to schoolchildren in lockdown

Former nurse Margaret Phillips, 80, wanted to help less fortunate children, who do not have the devices required for them to be able to access their online learning platforms during the latest national lockdown.

With the help of her local church, St Paul's, Margaret launched an appeal, encouraging people to make a monetary donation or to hand over any spare equipment.

Margaret raised £15,075 in just ten days and, along with her son, Ian, purchased and distributed 60 computers to local schools.

Ian said the response was 'amazing' adding: "We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the generous people in our community who reacted so quickly to meet the needs of these children without computers by making such wonderful donations.

"One local business in particular made a significant donation and we are very grateful to Store Property in New Park Road for their amazing support.

"It just shows what can be done through the generosity of others when times are hard and the need is great. We live in an amazing community and we are delighted to have been able to help so many children."

The schools delivered computers were; Fishbourne Primary, Bosham Primary, Jessie Young Husband, Rumboldswhyke, The March Primary School, Portfield Primary Academy, Lavant Primary and Singleton Primary.

Ian added: "Some of these schools have computers that are over 15 years old so they were very grateful for these new laptops to distribute among the children."

You can contact Margaret on 07787 771615 or email [email protected] for more information on how to help.

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