A desperate appeal for a lifeline has been shared by a charity, calling for donations to be made before it’s forced to shut down.

During their six years of supporting children in The Gambia, Siiboo charity founders Sharon and Colin Fox have provided the youngsters with shoes, gifts, and most notably, an Early Childhood Development School.

But the Egremont couple fear their time helping the children may be nearing an end, as Covid has dried up funds – and could force them to halt their work for good.

Sharing their appeal on social media, Mr Fox said: “If ever we needed help, it’s now!

“Six years in the making and we’re weeks away from its collapse – that’s the harsh reality of Covid-19 and our Early Childhood Development School in The Gambia.”

He continued: “You don’t need us to tell you how Covid-19 has destroyed our planned fundraising activities, and you don’t need us telling you the impact it’s had right across the world as you all know this.

“I’m sorry for my blunt message but let me get straight to the point: without financial donations from charitable people our school will close and our project in The Gambia may come to an end!”

The team at the charity has been working tirelessly for years to build the school, hoping to provide the children with priceless education and the chance to flourish.

And as funds were falling £4,000 short back in July, Mrs Fox even took to the skies to raise money, completing a wing walk to spark more donations.

But with the charity’s wage bill of £156 per month, and only 43 per cent of this raised through sponsorship, the couple said “it’s not enough to see us through the pandemic”.

Mr Fox added: “Please help us keep the school open, and stop the hard work and support of North West Cumbria come to an end.”

Donations to Siiboo can be made via PayPal or bank transfer, and every penny is appreciated.

For more information on the charity’s journey, how to support the group, and details on how to donate, visit the Siiboo Facebook page and Twitter, at @SiibooUK