I WROTE recently to ask your readers to help UNICEF in an urgent appeal to save the lives of children in the Darfur region of western Sudan, where violent conflict has caused the mass displacement of an estimated one million people.

The situation is now an emergency of potentially catastrophic proportions. The rainy season has already begun, making access to displaced families increasingly difficult. We urgently need more help to step up our work and provide more lifesaving assistance while we can.

Most of those displaced are now living in camps both within Darfur and across the border in Chad, where shelters are struggling to hold off the rain and living conditions range from difficult to deadly.

UNICEF'S Children of Sudan appeal seeks to raise £25 million to provide vital shelter and clean water, as well as deliver lifesaving medical supplies needed to save thousands of children's lives. Just £25 will provide enough therapeutic feeding supplies to save up to 350 severely malnourished children.

Please help the children of Darfur now. To make a donation you can send a cheque to Children of Darfur Appeal, UNICEF, PO Box 1800, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 4UG. Thank you.

Louis Coles,

Regional Fundraising Manager (North East),

Loxley Road,

Sheffield,

South Yorkshire.

Updated: 11:18 Friday, July 23, 2004