Paralympics sparks extra donations

Tens of thousands of pounds of extra cash was donated to some disability charities during the Paralympics, figures show.

One of the charities to benefit the most was the British Paralympic Association, which has seen direct donations through JustGiving rise nearly six-fold compared with the same period last year.

Both the English Federation of Disability Sport and disabled children's charity Whizz-kidz have also benefited, seeing direct online donations rise by 72% and 43% respectively.

Collectively the three charities raised £24,781.49 in August 2011 but this rose to £61,958.65 in August this year.

The figures are based on direct donations to the three charities, through JustGiving, comparing August last year to this.

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association, said: "The money raised by our supporters will help us to carry forward the momentum created by the home Games and ensure the athletes aiming for Sochi, Rio and beyond receive the same preparations as their London counterparts."

Anne-Marie Huby, managing director of JustGiving, said: "The fact that technological advances of the last four years have been so dramatic means that someone can pick up their phone or tablet and donate instantly to a cause that inspires them.

"This wasn't quite possible during the last Paralympics - but it's great that causes can now benefit instantly."