Orphans are given a helping hand (From Gazette Series)

Orphans are given a helping hand

9:30am Monday 20th October 2008

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ORPHANS in Kenya have been given a better start in life thanks to the efforts of a caring family and a Yate health shop.

The 22 youngsters at Watoto Wa Kenya Children’s Home, south of Mombasa, were in dire need of extra vitamins when student Harriet Wells visited last year.

Harriet, 23, was on a three-month work visit after graduating from Nottingham University with a fashion degree.

She was desperate to help the children who were suffering from a bland diet and a lack of meat.

Harriet, who now buys clothes for fashion house River Island in London, turned to her father Clive for help.

Mr Wells, co-founder and director of Hobbs House Bakery in Chipping Sodbury, used his contacts in the food industry to gather supplies.

He said: "We were in email contact with Harriet and she had really forged a link at the orphanage.

"The children were not getting enough meat and really needed vitamin supplements."

Mr Wells approached the Health Wise shop, in Yate Shopping Centre, who recommended B12 supplements.

Manager Wendy Round said: "We were only too happy to help. Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal foods and is such an essential vitamin as it helps with so many functions in our body; a long-term lack of the vitamin can seriously affect our overall health."

Mr Wells and his wife made a return journey to Kenya, where they first went on honeymoon, to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.

The couple met their daughter at the orphanage and delivered the vitamins.

"The children are already seeing the benefits," he said.

"We are continuing to support the orphanage by sponsoring some of the children to go on to secondary school as they have to pay for it in Kenya."

Mr Wells said anyone who could help more of the children to continue their education should contact him on 01454 321629 or email clive@hobbshousebakery.co.uk.

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