SOME of Farnham’s most prestigious organisations have banded together to create a new hardship fund to help those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, the groups have pledged more than £22,000 to help Farnham people.

And today we are asking Herald readers to help swell that pot to £50,000 to help more people whose lives are in turmoil.

Farnham Town Council – which has pledged £5,000 – is co-ordinating the work, helped by the Dempster Trust (£4,000), Farnham Lions (£2,500, plus £4,000 for fuel poverty), Farnham Hedgehogs (£2,500), Farnham Institute (£2,500), Farnham Parochial Charity (£1,000) and Weyside Rotary (£500).

But we know there will be many people in Farnham desperate to help, too, and offer their support.

Farnham mayor Pat Evans said: “It’s a wonderful initiative and fantastic to see local groups respond to the crisis in this way.”

John Curtis of the Dempster Trust said: “The trust had already put £5,000 into the food bank but we had more money available to help. After speaking to people on the coronavirus helpline and to Farnham town clerk Iain Lynch, we thought setting up a fund who help those most desperate would bring the most benefit.

“Other organisations have now joined in and it’s wonderful to see how everyone in the town is pulling together in this way.”

People needing help will need to complete a simple application form. Each applicant will need to be supported by a referee – for instance, a church, a GP or Citizens Advice.

Mr Lynch said: “When the applications are received, we will also assess what financial assistance is available from other sources. There may be other benefits which the applicant can take advantage of.

“The Lions also have the Wenceslas Fund, which is separate and can help people who can’t pay their fuel bills.

“We expect to limit payment from the hardship fund to £300 per applicant – although we will look very carefully at each and every application.”

A panel made up of representatives of each of the groups will discuss each application.

The initial £22,000 will help many in the short term – but Mr Curtis stressed the importance of being able to offer assistance in the weeks and months ahead.

“If Herald readers can help bring the total to £50,000, it would make an incredible difference,” he said.

“Help won’t only be needed now – next month, and the month after that, we will find people who don’t have a job to go back to, or who find they can’t cope for other reasons.

“We do know the word we return to will be very different to the one we left.”

Readers who would like to pledge cash into the fund can go on to the Farnham Town Council website (www.farnham.gov.uk/supportfund) and donate via the Just Giving link https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/farnham-coronavirus.

Cheques payable to Farnham Town Council may be sent to Coronavirus Support Fund c/o Council Offices, South Street Farnham GU9 7RN.

Anyone who would more information can email [email protected]