AIDS and HIV are terrifying illnesses for any adult to come to terms with, let alone a small child. In countries where the health care is modern, and inexpensive, children unlucky enough to have been infected with this, as yet, incurable disease can receive love and support from family, and relief from pain and suffering. The children in Romania cannot have this option.

Romania has had a turbulent history over the years. It has never been a well off country, which is probably why one of Romania’s most recent leaders decided to try and change this. Ceausescu was determined to turn Romania into a strong industrial power. Therefore he decided that every family was to have four children. Those families failing to comply were severely punished. Few Romanians could afford such large families, and so many abandoned their children, who ended up in the state orphanages. The orphanages were unable to cope with the large numbers of children and so, brought up on a diet of little food, the children quickly became undernourished.

The Romanian authorities, in an attempt to improve this situation, decided that a blood transfusion would greatly benefit the children.

That is until 1990, when the Reverend Dr John Walmsley visited Romania. His original mission had been to deliver aid to Romania, but when he saw the plight of the children in the orphanages, he was determined to help them.

Children in Distress was the charity which resulted from his visit. The charity has built, and now runs, a hospice where children suffering from AIDS and HIV can lead a life of peace, filled with love and care. When the children die, they are not alone. The St Laurence Hospice has 100 beds for children, and also houses Romanian staff, along with 20 British volunteers. For the older children, an education is provided, although few of these children will ever become an adult.

The Charity has also built a Hospice in Albania, which also provides medical care for sick children. Unfortunately the British members have had to pull out of Albania, following the recent political upheavals. Trucks containing food, clothing and medical supplies are driven from the UK to Romania on a regular basis. The cost of living in Romania is rising and so the Hospice needs as much help as possible.

Queen Mary’s have had a collection for many of the articles needed for the next truck load, which we hope will leave for Romania at the end of May.

Please help the children in anyway you can. Here is the address to write to if you would like more information, or to make a donation.

Children in Distress

Unit 2/1 Thirsk Industrial Park

York Road

Thirsk

North Yorkshire

YO7 3BX

England.

By Carolyn Sainsbury