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Opening my email to see this picture one Wednesday morning, was such a good way to start the day.  Working on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Radio 4 and Lifeline appeals we deal in stories all the time, encouraging charities to explain what they do, through the people they help.  The thing about stories is that what you really want to know is - how they end.   

Child Rescue Nepal told us about Sanjeev, who aged 11 was rescued from an illegal metal work factory in Kathmandu.  Boys who had been sleeping on the floor, not allowed to see their families, were being cared for by the charity. The email from Joanna Bega, the CEO at the charity, said: "Sanjeev finally went home last week, 18 months after his rescue.  His home has been rebuilt and his mum is delighted to have him back".   

As our radio producer said on seeing the photo ‘Sanjeev is such a cool dude – he could be one of our sons.  I think that’s what makes it so moving.’

I think that knowing how an appeal has gone, not just the amount it raised but the impact that money is having, is part of the story we can share with donors to these ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ appeals.  So if you click on the totals next to each charity on our '' page – you will see how they are spending your donations.

The selection of these charities is a rigorous process.  They must all be registered with the UK Charity Commission and application forms, which ask about their governance and finance as well the aim of their appeal, are scrutinised by independent experienced assessors and then the final decisions are taken by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s .  The AAC is made up of 12 experienced professionals from the charitable sector.  

If as a donor you wish to make a regular or one off donation that can be shared between all the Radio 4 Appeal charities that too is possible, through the Radio 4 Appeal Fund.  We hope to also set up a ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Lifeline Appeal fund soon.

If you know of a charity who you think could benefit from one of these appeals, then you can look at the eligibility criteria on our applications page.