THREE friends from Blackburn have launched an appeal to safeguard the future of an African orphanage which has been threatened with imminent closure.

Hundreds of youngsters on the outskirts of Nairobi have come to depend on the Makimei home, which was established by former police officer Margret (corr) Stephen but receives no state funding.

But Blackburn supporters Waleed Shihadah, Sadie Newsome and Adam Nickson, have learned that the building's landlady is considering demolishing the sanctuary and replacing it with apartments.

Some of the children at Makimei have been abused, others have been dumped there by their families and others have severe disabilities, while more have been given a home after being found wandering the streets.

Waleed said: "I honestly think there isn't a finer example of a human being than Margret.

"She truly is one of the most amazing and selfless people I have ever met and the work she is doing is literally saving the lives of so many children.

"Yet I am also scared for the future. The good work that the Makimei Children's Home is doing is dependent on donations and the kindness of others."

Currently the orphanage caters for 31 youngsters, and supports a further 31 who have been placed with host families outside their walls.

An eviction notice has been served on Margret and her daughter Rachel, who helps to run the home in the small town of Kikuyu, asking them to be out by July 20.

The trio has established an online appeal site at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/makimeis which will run for the next 30 days.

In a previous trip the friends took out six months worth of supplies, after a previous fundraising campaign, and they were able to live and work with the young people day-to-day.

"Despite the youngsters having gone through the worst life has to offer, you do get the impression that Margret is offering these kids a second chance at happiness," added Waleed.

"And their constant smiles are testament to her success. I pray her work will continue for the sake of these and future children. Our fundraising will be going directly to help them."