THE day Dorothy Croston stepped out under the hot African sky to take a short walk changed her life.

Her stroll took her to the Moroccan Boys Orphanage of Sale'e - and a distressing journey of discovery. What she saw at the home gave her the determination to help.

And her mission of mercy has been backed by a Leigh primary school and a local haulage company.

This week the school - St John's in Kirkhall Lane - were warmly thanked for their efforts by Hajg Brahim Benslimane, president of the Moroccas orphanage.

In a fax to The Journal he expressed his heartfelt gratitude...

"To all the kind parents and children in the Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Green areas, who have so generously donated clothes, blankets and many other items to our boys orphanage, we thank you.

"Words cannot express how our children felt to receive such gifts. Last evening we held a fete and each child received a parcel.

"The clothes we receives for babies and girls have been passed on to another two orphanages in our area. They too send their grateful thanks and were overwhelmed with such kindness."

The Help-the-Orphanage idea took shape after Dorothy, of Wigan Road, Atherton, returned to the UK with husband Eric, who works for Courtaulds in the North African country.

She spoke to Diana Wood, headteacher at St John's, of the children's plight.

In turn, Diana called on the help of her husband Derek, David and Barbara Hughes, who run a haulage business, and school secretary Pauline Jones.

Parents and pupils were asked to help by donating items to the orphanage.

And quickly the campaign began to take shape. Almost 300 toothbrushes were donated.

Pauline said: "The children and their parents have been very supportive of the idea.

"We have sent clothes and other everyday items, including the toothbrushes - but, I must admit, we forgot to send toothpaste!

"We want to send blankets also because, apparently, it has been one of the coldest winters experienced in Morocco for some time.

"The parents of our pupils have been brilliant with their help, and we are all delighted we have been able to make a link with the orphanage and help in this way."

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