Online ‘global baby shower’ raises thousands for Meghan and Harry’s charities

A “global baby shower” in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has raised more than £22,000 for three charities, including enough money to support 83 girls in education in Africa for a year.

Fans of Meghan and Harry have been donating to the animal rescue charity Mayhew, the Campaign for Female Education (Camfed), and WellChild ahead of the birth of the royal baby.

Anke Adams, of Camfed, which helps girls who live in the poorest rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa go to school, said its donations thanks to the #GlobalSussexBabyShower have exceeded £15,000 in just a few days.

“It’s enough money to support 83 girls in secondary school for a year,” she said.

“It’s been incredible. We’re only a small team but we’ve been on social media thanking everybody,” she said.

“We’ve had £15,136 from 660 donations. Some of our partner communities have been hit badly by Cyclone Idai with schools swept away and headteachers killed.

“There’s a lot of support needed.”

More than £2,400 has been received by WellChild, of which Harry is patron.

The charity’s chief executive Colin Dyer said: “We have been surprised and delighted by the donations from supporters of #GlobalSussexBabyShower.

“It’s great that an online outpouring of goodwill can lead to practical help for children with serious illness and their families.”

Mayhew, an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities in London and internationally, had received more than £4,500 in donations.

The charity, of which Meghan is patron, said it had been “incredibly touched” by the response.

The viral campaign was started by Twitter user @freepeeper to honour Baby Sussex and Harry and Meghan’s compassion.

The Sussexes’ first child is due this month and will be seventh in line to the throne.