I DO sympathise with those that are struggling to find the money for food, fuel and other necessities at the moment.

God knows it is harder than it was.

It is easy to feel that we are depriving our families because we can’t afford to buy what we once could.

However, I have been moved to tears by the mothers in the Comic Relief films. I have also heard the pupils of Oakmead School, Bournemouth, talking about their experience working in Ethiopia.

My son was involved in providing the security for a new health centre in Afghanistan.

My daughter worked in an orphanage looking after disabled children in Eastern Europe.

Their stories have shown me a world so different from my own experience that I feel compelled to do something.

I am convinced that so long as the government continues to ensure that our money is well used, we can make a huge difference to the poorest of the poor.

To do nothing would seem like making their problems worse.

KAREN SNOOK, Bearwood