THREE weeks after the tsunami struck, the initial shock has subsided.

But the scale of the devastation continues to astonish: at the weekend the death toll was revised upwards by several thousand.

It will take many years and billions of pounds before the blighted region can recover. That is why your fundraising efforts are so vital.

Coffee mornings, bucket collections, sponsored walks: every effort makes a difference.

And you can even enjoy a top night out and help the victims. Huge's sell-out concert at the Grand Opera House raised a wonderful £1,200.

Thank you to Huge and to all who have contributed to our appeal.

Please keep the money coming.

Updated: 09:52 Monday, January 17, 2005