A SOUTHAMPTON charity run to support the victims of fire has been saved by Daily Echo readers.

The Goodwill Fund, which supports the Hampshire Fire Victim Support Unit, was struggling to continue due to a shortage of fundraising volunteers.

However, after an appeal through the Daily Echo, enough helpers have come forward to safeguard the nine-year-old charity's future.

The fund has also appointed a new chairman, Alan Fryer, and new committee members Hilary and Mike Collins.

Last weekend more than £1,000 was raised in the charity's annual fun run and walk at the Grange fields in Weston.

The run had to be put back from April due to the staffing crisis. It included a 5km and a 2.5km run, with individual, team, family and child categories.

Fund treasurer Chris Keeys said: "We now have seven on the committee, which is enough to press on with another fun run.

"The responses I received were directly attributable to the Daily Echo and Advertiser articles, so thank you from the Goodwill."

More than £60,000 has been raised by the charity since 1995.

It was set up following the deaths of four children in a house fire in Sullivan Road, Sholing, Southampton.

The blaze claimed the lives of siblings Patrick, Terry, Alison and Nicola, who were aged from six to 12 years.

Their deaths sent shock waves through the city and in May 1997 the children's uncle, Fred Heyworth, was convicted of setting fire to the house. He received four life sentences for their murders.

The Goodwill Fund, started by Paul Freebody, was originally designed to raise funds for the family but over the years it has evolved and now money raised goes towards supporting the Hampshire Fire Victim Support Unit.

It later became a fundraising arm of the Red Cross, specifically focusing on supporting victims of fire in Hampshire and helping with the costs of the Fire Victim Support Vehicle based at Hightown fire station.

The Fire Victim Support Vehicle, based at Hightown fire station, is manned by 18 Red Cross volunteers.

Last year the unit responded to 70 calls for help and directly supported 227 people.

New chairman Mr Fryer said: "This unit provides a vital service and it looks like it will continue."

To find out more about supporting the Goodwill Fund contact Chris Keeys on 023 8044 9942.