New engine & new school roof

We reported recently on the difficulties faced by the fishermen this year over the extreme monsoon conditions which had prevented them from fishing for more than 5 weeks. In a desperate attempt to earn some money for their families they took the boat out during a lull in the bad weather. Unfortunately the storm returned unexpectedly and the boat capsized leading to the loss of the engine and generator. Luckily there was no loss of life.

 We have just sent out money to pay for a new outboard so that the fishermen can once again start earning and support their families in the village. Also, money has now been sent to replace the roof on the Village School as it was clear that they would have a long wait for the local authority to act. This will not only mean the students can learn in a dry environment but willl ensure the longevity of the instruments and computers we have already provided.

One of the great things about FODAD is we provide support and assistance throughout the year and we aren't restricted to just to the times we visit.

FODAD assists in life-saving Op

One of the pleasures of supporting the Nursery School is seeing the happiness and innocence of the kids - they're too young to know just how difficult their lives will be growing up in a poor village - and they derive happiness by playing with the little they've got. The school is in pretty poor repair too; despite a number of promises to provide a new building, nothing has yet happened and this will be one of the priorities for our next trip in September.

One of the kids which has always stood out with his beaming smile was Gihan.  But on the very last day of our visit in February, his parents told us that he needed urgent heart surgery. His father is a road-sweeper and earns next to nothing and couldn't afford to pay the 25,000 Sri Lankan Rupees to pay for the operation. The Government had agreed to pick up the remainder of the bill. It was a no-brainer and over the last few months we obtained the medical reports and sent the money for the op.

I'm pleased to say that Gihan has now had his surgery and is making a full recovery. Without the supporters of FODAD, who knows what would have happened to this little lad. £150 to save a live...? Priceless.

The 10k race

Team FODAD - Gav, Dan, Beck, Danielle and Tom - completed the Frampton 10k event last night.  After a hot weekend, the conditions were perfect and with large crowds gathering on the village green, there was a sense of anticipation as we warmed up at the start line.  Some were contemplating setting personal bests; others just finishing. 

We set off and waved as we passed all our followers - if there were a prize for the best supported team, we certainly would have one that!  As the race continued, experience began to show with Dan and Beck striding forward and up there with the leading pack.  For those of us who had never done 10k before, we were now regretting our lack of preparation!

Meanwhile, the supporters started munching on a picnic, the scale of which drew envious glances from many around.  But 40 minutes later, the smoked salmon had to be put aside as Dan entered the finishing straight and, despite having been ill, was the first team member across the line followed closely by Beck.

A while later, Gav put in a final sprint to cross the line in a time much better than he had ever expected followed closely by Danielle and Tom who had put in a herculean effort and had to run the last mile with no trainers.

It was a great evening out for both runners and their supporters.  There are too many people to thank individually but thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors, we expect to have raised well over £2,000 for The Friends of Della and Don.

And there's more to come... Don & Tess doing their 10k walkathon and David and the gang at Nature.com with their 10k in September!!