Barnardo’s is urging the public to show some love to vulnerable children and young people by donating their old £5 notes to the charity before they cease to be legal tender on 5th May.

Despite the imminent withdrawal of the old ‘fiver’, there are an estimated 160 million notes still in circulation, worth a staggering £800 million.

The old £5 notes bear the image of Elizabeth Fry who, like Thomas Barnardo, was an ardent social reformer. They have been in use since 2002 but began to be replaced by a new £5 note bearing the image of Winston Churchill last September.

Barnardo’s director of Fundraising, Sarah Lee said. “There is a potential small fortune hiding in old purses, pockets or down the backs of sofas that could be donated to good causes.

“Five pounds may seem small but little amounts can add up to make big differences to the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people.

“Elizabeth Fry shared many of the ideals of the man who created Barnardo’s, including work with the homeless and vulnerable, so donating a banknote that carries her image to Barnardo’s would be a fitting tribute.”

The donation of each £5 note to Barnardo’s contributes to providing support and respite activities for vulnerable children and young people.

Examples of what £5 donations could pay for:

· Five fivers (£25) will help pay for a case worker to give life-changing practical support and safety advice to a young person affected by sexual exploitation.

· Ten fivers (£50) will pay for 10 young carers to go on outings to the cinema or a bowling alley, so they can have fun with other children and enjoy a break.

· 200 fivers (£1,000) will allow a family with disabled family members to go on a day out together, covering the cost of bus hire, specialised equipment and carers.

People can donate their old five pound notes at any of Barnardo’s 720 charity shops or they get involved in the spirit of the ‘Final Fiver’ campaign and donate five pounds via the Barnardo’s Just Giving page, the Barnardo’s website or by text - simply text ‘FINAL FIVER’ to 70500.