McCartney's charity donation

Aug 25, 2006, 12:20 GMT

Sir Paul McCartney is to donate £1.6 million to a charity after he refused to perform at an event because of his estranged wife.

The Adopt-A-Minefield gala has been hosted by the former Beatles legend and Heather Mills since 2001, but Paul has pulled out following their split.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: 'It was built around the two of them hosting the gala. You can understand it's simply not possible for them to work together, although they remain patrons.'

The event has now been cancelled after the charity failed to find a last-minute replacement host.

The charity's director Keith Kelly said: 'The event was cancelled because losing Paul at such short notice meant it was difficult to replace him. He has offered to make a donation and pay for the gala not going ahead. This is not compensation and we have not asked for money.

'He realises that cancelling the event is a big financial blow to us.'

Shortly after their split was announced in May, Paul released the following statement: 'While I continue to be committed to Adopt-A-Minefield and its critical mission, given the current circumstances, I will not be able to attend the gala this year.

'I have every confidence that they will put on another great event and raise significant funds for the campaign's continuing work.'

The gala - the charity's biggest fundraising event of the year - is held at Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton Hotel and usually raises £1.5 million to £2 million.

Heather, who is a passionate campaigner for the charity after losing her leg in a motorbike accident, is said to be devastated.

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