Prince Harry gives 'significant' sum to city charity

A charity in Nottingham says it has received a "significant donation" from the Duke of Sussex.

Himmah, which works to tackle racism and poverty in the city, has received an undisclosed sum from Prince Harry, which will be used to fund 650 food parcels for vulnerable families.

The Duchess of Sussex made a £10,000 donation to the charity in 2020.

Sajid Mohammed, director of the charity, said: "To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing, but to have been supported by Prince Harry too left us completely gobsmacked and hugely humbled."

In a letter to the charity, Prince Harry said: "Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade.

"The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty, and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded."

Mr Mohammed told the BBC the letter brought him to tears, as the Duke of Sussex had shown "genuine compassion and care" for the people of Nottingham.

He said: "It really touched the trustees, the volunteers, our service users and staff, that ordinary people like us are supported by some of the world's most important people.

"It was a life-changing amount of money to people in the city of Nottingham."

The charity, which is based in Gamble Street, said it provided more than 1,300 emergency food parcels every month and served more than 1,200 hot meals from its community hub.

Mr Mohammed said the number of people in need in Nottingham "shot up" during the pandemic and had got "worse" due to the cost-of-living crisis.

"Many of our service users are working people who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford the basics, like fresh produce, toilet roll or toothpaste," he added.

The director said the donation had also allowed the charity to buy new equipment for its community centre, which provides hot meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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