SIR – As a journalist reporting on major events like the Lockerbie plane crash or Omagh bombings, I witnessed the British Red Cross in action.

They were there helping people affected and, much more importantly, were going to stick around long after the media had left to help put people’s lives back together again.

I’ve also met the Red Cross time and again when working in Africa, South America and Asia. I have seen what they do, and that is why I support the British Red Cross.

Every year, the British Red Cross has one week of intensive fundraising – Red Cross Appeal Week. This year it is from May 2 to 8, and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to get involved.

To fundraise this Red Cross Appeal Week, visit redcross.org.uk/appealweek, or phone 0844 412 2811.

So far this year, the British Red Cross has supported people affected by severe weather in the UK, the earthquake in Haiti and hundreds of other crises that don’t make the news. With help from you, the Red Cross can continue to be there.

Michael Buerk, journalist, broadcaster and Red Cross supporter.