Madonna donates £340k to quake fund

Published on Thursday 9 April 2009 02:20

MADONNA has pledged $500,000 (£340,388) to help victims of Italy's devastating earthquake, the mayor of a mountainside village said last night.

Fernando Caparso, the mayor of Pacentro, where two of the pop star's grandparents were born, said he had been "deeply moved" by her efforts to assist the town and surrounding areas.

Liz Rosenberg, Madonna's spokeswoman, confirmed that the singer had pledged a "substantial amount," but didn't disclose the exact figure.

Mr Caparso said Pacentro, 60 miles from L'Aquila, did not suffer serious damage in Monday's earthquake and the bulk of her donation would go to areas that were harder hit.

Meanwhile, a mass state funeral and a national day of mourning are expected to be held tomorrow, officials said.

Last night the death toll reached 272 and was expected to rise further. The first funeral of a victim was held yesterday.