WILTSHIRE Community Foundation is asking pensioners who do not need their winter fuel payment to donate it to help prevent vulnerable people from dying in the cold weather.

The foundation is running its Surviving Winter campaign for the third year. Last year it raised £70,000 and supported 338 households in Wiltshire.

It asks pensioners who can afford to live comfortably to donate their Government winter fuel payment to the foundation, who will then distribute it to elderly and vulnerable people who need help to pay their fuel bills.

One recipient last year was Eddie Goodship, 84, of Dixon Way, Calne. The retired sewage worker, who is disabled, lives in a three-bedroom semi-detached housing association property with his younger brother.

Mr Goodship said: “I had a gas bill come in for £444 for three months and then I got a cheque for £300 from the foundation. That helped me a great deal.

“I’m grateful for the help. When I think back four years ago my gas bill was £160 and it’s gone up to between £400 and £500 now, it’s ridiculous.

“It’s great what the foundation is doing and I thank them for helping me. I expect there are a lot of people in my situation.”

Rosemary Macdonald, chief executive of the foundation, said last year 262 people in Wiltshire died as a direct result of the cold.

Nationally, the Office for National Statistics said there were almost 24,000 winter weather deaths in England and Wales of over-65s in 2011/12.

Mrs Macdonald said: “Surviving Winter generates funds to help the most vulnerable people and those most severely affected by fuel bill price hikes and the rise in the cost of living.

“There is a significant need in our communities which is often overlooked. Many elderly people and families are struggling with the sharp rise in living costs and bills, leaving them facing big challenges this winter. We believe they should not be left to suffer, having to make the choice between heat and eat.”

If you wish to donate your winter fuel payment, write a cheque for the equivalent amount made payable to The Community Foundation and send it to Sandcliffe House, 21 Northgate Street, Devizes, SN10 1JZ. To donate by credit card, call (01380) 729284.

To donate online, visit www.wscf.org.uk and click on the Surviving Winter link.