Now £11,881. Might just reach £12,000 before we close it?

That is probably enough to give Dick a year off to recover from his stroke (if that is what it was, and it does seem so), which is what his agent and I are hoping for.

I must add that all those who have given here generously to help Dick through a dark period I am sure support other good causes too. I know I do. I made the first £20 donation here (from my state pension. I get nothing more) and I have raised a few quid for Yorkshire Air Ambulance through folk concerts in the past too.

So, those who are somewhat jealous and proclaim that we should be helping those in need and not the 'famous' need to get their heads around the right way. I am for supporting anyone in need as much as I can. I'm certain that all the contributors to this fund think the same according to their needs.

What I do question is how much those who have criticised this campaign have actually contributed financially to anything positive themselves.