English lord gives $250,000 to quake appeal

2:45 pm on 31 March 2011

A British Conservative Party peer has donated $250,000 to the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

Lord Michael Ashcroft, who is also a businessman, author and philanthropist, says New Zealand is close to his heart and he has donated to the country in the past.

When war medals including nine Victoria Crosses were stolen from the National Army Museum in Waiouru in 2007, Lord Ashcroft offered a $400,000 reward for their return and information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the theft.