AN ANTI-poverty campaigner has spoken of his gratitude after the public more than matched the charity money stolen in a callous burglary.

Jim O’Connor, founder of the Dorothy’s Well charity that has raised £400,000 and sunk ten solar wells in rural Tanzania, was speaking after a sale of gifts given to him by grateful Africans raised £800 for the cause.

Last month, crooks broke into Mr O’Connor’s home in Esh, County Durham and stole £1,400 in cash and cheques destined for the water charity set up in memory of his late wife, Dorothy, who died of breast cancer in 2006, aged 56.

Since then, individual donors and churches whose cheques were taken have increased their giving and new supporters have come forward – raising at least £2,500.

Additionally, some of the items belonging to Mrs O'Connor that were stolen have been recovered, though not all.

Mr O’Connor said: “I want to thank the public for all their support. A lot of good has come out of it.”

Saturday’s (August 22) sale in Durham Market Place offered carvings, paintings and other gifts presented to Mr O’Connor by African leaders, including Maasai chiefs, during his nine visits to Tanzania for the charity.

There were also bags and household items made by friends and supporters here using cloth gifts.

Mr O’Connor said: “It was brilliant. I was over the moon at the response.

“It was very nice, people were making very nice comments and we gave some fliers out so I’m sure we’ll get quite a few donations from it as well.”

Mr O’Connor has now raised £52,000 of the £75,000 cost of the next three wells, which he hopes to see sunk in February.

He will visit Tanzania in November to choose the schools and communities to benefit.

For more information on Dorothy’s Well, visit dorothyswells.org. Every penny donated goes to providing the wells. Expenses and administrative costs are paid personally by Mr O’Connor and his charity committee members.

Anyone with information on the burglary, which happened between 11am and 2pm on Thursday, July 9, is asked to call Durham Police on 101.