Kidman donates to bushfire appeal

The couple wanted to show their support to all affected in the bushfires

Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban have donated A$500,000 (£228,278) to the bushfire appeal in Australia.

The couple, who are currently out of the country, appeared on a satellite link during a live televised appeal aimed to raise money for the Red Cross.

Kidman, 41, said they were grieving "for the people who have been struck so devastatingly by this disaster".

Urban, who married Kidman in 2006, said it had been "gut-wrenching" to watch the disaster unfold.

Australia Unites

"Our hearts go out tonight to all the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones and having to rebuild their lives again," he said.

Kidman, best known for starring in Moulin Rouge! and Eyes Wide Shut, said they had been following the bushfires on television and calling their parents for the latest.

"As Australians, I think the biggest thing is that no matter where you are in the world, we support each other and we rally.

"That's why we wanted to show our support and we would like to donate A$500,000 on behalf of our family to the families that need it now," the actress said.

My heart goes out to all the people and animals who have been affected Ellen DeGeneres

Kidman and Urban are are among more than 150 leading politicians, musicians, sports stars and actors, who took part in the telethon - Australia Unites - on Channel Nine.

Anthony La Paglia, Keith Urban. KD Lang, Orlando Bloom and Rachel Griffiths also asked for donations.

US TV star Ellen DeGeneres, who is married to Australian actress Portia de Rossi, recorded a message.

"My heart goes out to all the people and animals who have been affected," she said.

At least 181 people have died and hundreds more have been injured by the blazes that swept across Victoria state. At least 1,000 homes have been destroyed.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced there will be national day of mourning and a memorial service to remember the victims of the bushfires.

Police now believe that arsonists were responsible for at least two of the deadly fires.

Firefighters are still battling several blazes, despite rain and cooler weather on Thursday.