When we faced the challenge of raising a quarter of a million pounds for openDemocracy to stay open, we knew it would be hard. The possibility of closing was very real.

We would fight tooth and claw to survive and grow but we all knew that success or failure would ultimately depend on how much you – our readers - value openDemocracy.

Two generous donors pledged the first hundred thousand, on the explicit condition that we reached the full sum. 'Almost' wouldn’t and won't cut it, it was all or nothing.

It still is, but we put our faith in you all and your wonderful responses have left us touched, honoured and at £240,000 – only £10,000 left to the finish line!

We just need a little bit more help, and we’re there. We’ve got 11 days.

I hope you want to be part of the final thousands and walk with us across the finish line – whether it’s by donating (or topping up your donation), asking a friend to step up and do so, pestering your circles on social media (#keepODopen on Twitter) – or all of the above.

And should you for a moment waiver in your belief that openDemocracy is important, I urge you to read founder Anthony Barnett on the foresight and clashes of argument of oD's coverage of the Iraq war, it pioneered our approach but two oD writers paid a terrible cost.

The world is just as fallible now as it was then, and the need for an open, passionate and intelligent platform like oD is still as great.

And if (dare I say ”when”?) – we reach the target, I’d like us to do something else: to grow with you, your voice and your support into something better.

Help us climb through the final thousands here. Thank you.