Transplant teenager fundraises for Uganda
Magheralin parishioner Charlene Barr urgently needs a life-saving double lung transplant and you could forgive her for thinking only about herself right now. Instead, however, she has her sights set on raising £70,000 to build a primary school in Uganda, and on gaining enough weight to go onto the transplant list.
Earlier this year teenager Charlene, who has Cystic Fibrosis, was forced to leave school and abandon her A-levels and plans for University when her condition took a dramatic turn for the worst. But while her friends are settling into their fresher terms, Charlene, rather than feel sorry for herself, has launched 'Charlene's Project' which has already amassed £5,000 in donations.
The fund will rebuild the Hidden Treasure Primary, School in Uganda which comprises just one simple room made of sticks and mud, where children of all ages are taught together.
“The new school will be built in two blocks — one for primary one to four pupils and the second for primary five to seven and we hope it will eventually have around 250 pupils.”
Charlene visited Uganda last year with her parents Dickie and Janice Barr (Love for Life) and was so deeply affected by the poverty that she resolved to help in whatever way she could.
The project has recently received publicity through Charlene's appearance on GMTV and an interview with the Sunday Life.
You can read the full interview here and keep up to date with Charlene and the project at her blogspot.
Please donate through 'Just Giving' here.