Standard launches Christmas appeal

The Evening Standard today launches its Christmas appeal on behalf of the Damilola Taylor Trust, set up to honour the memory of the murdered schoolboy.

The paper is asking readers to contribute what they can to the trust, which works to improve the lives of children growing up in the type of troubled inner-city area where the 10-year-old was killed.

It is also giving away a special CD in his name with tracks by Robbie Williams, Craig David, Ms Dynamite and Gabrielle.

The stars have agreed to waive their fees and the Evening Standard will give 10p to the trust for every copy of the paper sold.

The trust arranges for young people to visit the Outward Bound centre in the Lake District, where they are encouraged to develop skills which can benefit themselves and their community.

It also helps fund Access to Medicine, a programme which encourages disadvantaged Londoners to consider a career in medicine.

To make your donation, please send a cheque or postal order to: Evening Standard Damilola Christmas Appeal, PO Box 300, Rochester, Kent ME2 2HJ. Credit card donations can be made through our 24-hour automated donation line on 0871 210 0050 (calls charged at national rate).