Guardian charity appeal donations top £200,000 before annual telethon

One of the five charities the appeal is supporting, The Linking Network, runs local programmes designed to bring people together. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The first week of the Guardian’s Hope appeal has raised more than £200,000 for grassroots charities doing inspiring work to bring divided communities together, promoting tolerance and positive change, and opposing racism and hate.

The milestone was reached before the annual fundraising telethon on Saturday. Journalists preparing to take donations over the phone include Polly Toynbee, John Crace, Jonathan Liew, Patrick Wintour and Simon Hattenstone.