On my visit to Freetown last April Mariama, a teenage orphan at Liverpool School, that I support told me that she is unable to attend school during her menstrual cycle as she cannot afford to buy sanitary pads. I had been investigating this problem, along with a couple of the teachers at the school and we had looked at various options but this was the catalyst to “Make a Difference”.

We visited the local market and negotiated a bulk order deal with one of the stall holders and we are now, with fantastic support from a number of local ladies in the UK, supporting a total of 260 girls.

On Monday, Sue, a near neighbour, who is a member of the Cherwell Nordic Walking Group, mostly but not exclusively ladies, took part in their weekly walk (usually a circular walk of 5/6 miles) starting at a pub and going back for coffee and perhaps some lunch afterwards. Sue spoke to them about the “Sunny Girl” project and as a result I received a “whip round” donation of £27. This will “Make A Real Difference” to 54 girls as they will all receive sanitary pads enabling them to attend lessons during their menstrual cycle. Many thanks ladies.