Many of those who follow my blog work in communications roles in the UK Higher Education sector and so I’m hoping that this post will resonate with you and move you to help this very very worthy appeal for funds in support of Donald Macleod…

Donald Macleod, former education editor of the Guardian and Head of Communications for the Russell Group is a very well known, respected and much-loved figure in the UK education sector, and many would consider him to be a friend. From a personal point of view, and I won’t go into details here, Donald was significant in my own decision to start working in PR in the education sector. Many of you also know that I chair the CIPR’s Education and Skills Sector Group, and Donald is a friend of the Group and former winner of our Ted Wragg Award for Oustanding Contributions to Education Journalism.

In March Donald was sadly involved in a very serious incident where he was knocked off of his bike by a speeding police car in London. He spent six weeks in a coma and has remained under NHS care ever since, slowly making small steps towards recovery. Tony Coll has shared more information about the accident and Donald’s progress over on his blog. The police have refused to admit liability for the accident and the family are therefore having to sue them for compensation for Donald’s ongoing care costs. The NHS will continue to support him, but not with the full range of care that he very much needs. As such his family and friends have launched the ‘Do it for Don’ appeal and are asking individuals to please contribute whatever they can to help support his ongoing care.

Anyone want to donate to help support Donald’s care can do so by making deposits to the following bank account:

Account: Do It 4 Don
Bank: Lloyds TSB
Sort Code: 30-95-76
Account Number: 20612660

I hope some of you will feel moved to give generously (or even a small amount) if you can to support an incredibly generous man who is a friend to the sector and well known for his professionalism and kindness.