Chris Martin backs Haiti fund

Coldplay's Chris Martin has backed Oxfam's call for funds for Haiti after it was devastated by an earthquake.

The singer - whose band is making a donation to the appeal - travelled to Haiti with Oxfam in 2002 to meet coffee farmers supported by the charity.

He said: "It's a country of extreme poverty and brutal living conditions, most people in Port-au-Prince live in tin shacks... the earthquake that has struck Haiti will have turned the city into an unimaginable hell, the people of Haiti will be desperate for help and assistance - you can make a donation at www.oxfam.org.uk."

Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis was in Haiti with Chris at the same time and said: "They do not have the resources needed to cope with a disaster of this scale, that is what makes this so much worse. I know how hard people there work to try to survive - they have an incredible spirit and face hardship head-on without self pity. I can't imagine how they are coping now."

The festival has also donated to the appeal.

A host of other stars have pledged their support to victims of the earthquake, including Haiti-born musician Wyclef Jean - who released a statement calling for relief efforts.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have said they were "devastated" by the news, reports Usmagazine.com.

The Hollywood stars said in a statement: "We will work closely with our good friend Wyclef Jean to support the humanitarian efforts on the island and help those who have been injured and left without homes and shelter."

To donate visit www.oxfam.org.uk.