This is an article that appearred in the Darlington and Stockton Times recently.
Gary and Louise Webster of Spennithorne near Leyburn fell in love with Kenya when they went there on honeymoon in 5 years ago. They were so moved by the plight of the children there they resolved to do something to help.
Louise came across the charity Children of Watamu run by Sue Hayward of Blackpool. So she contacted her asking how she could help. The charity is at the moment building an orphanage for local children and Louise has arranged a standing order to sponsor towards building it. Once the Happy House is built Louise will sponsor the first child. She also runs children's clothes collections. Her friends knit squares, which she makes into blankets.
Since her daughter Grace who is now three was born she has taken her to Watamu . Later this year all the family are going back to Watamu to work in the orphanage. " I wanted to take Grace to show her what she had and they didn't." said Louise.
Whilst the orphanage, called the Happy House is still being built, any monthly donations are helping to finish and furnish it. When the house is complete the sponsors will be introduced to 'their' child via the email with photographs and details of the child. Most of these children will have just been abandoned or orphaned through malaria, Aids, HIV.
When complete the Happy House will have 100 children who will be able to go to sleep in safety wake up to a breakfast. .
Sue says about Louise," Louise has been great support in many ways She has made beautiful blankets for the beds for the future Happy House children, she has organised friends to support, donate and also knit jumpers and cardigans for the children".
Louise, who works at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, can be contacted on 07801252857 if you can spare children clothing. Or you want to knit some squares for blankets. Visit http://www.childrenofwatamu.net if you would like to sponsor a child.
