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Esther Martin raised £2,714.4 from 25 supporters
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Closed 28/03/2017
Iʼve raised £2,714 to build a well in Bridgipeta, India
- Funded on Tuesday, 28th March 2017
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Story
We take for granted that we won’t have to struggle every day for water and food but for the village slum community of Bridgipeta, this is the hard reality of life. I was there in early October 2016 while visiting small aid projects run by local churches in Kovvur, just outside Rajahmundry in India’s Andhra Pradesh state.
There are about 1,000 people in Bridgipeta, living in makeshift tarpaulin homes, mud huts or sometimes just under the trees, and working where they can as itinerant labourers. They were so kind and welcoming. Many ushered us to step inside their homes, which were bare except for a few cooking utensils and perhaps a sleeping mat. A number of people looked ill and I remember a crying toddler with fever, clasped in her mother’s arms. I could feel in the atmosphere how hard life is when you have nothing and there is no hope for change.
While I was there a group of men approached and asked if I would help them build a well. I felt immediately that this is something I must do. I was told that the local government sometimes brings water but this is unreliable. Usually they have to travel far if they want something safe to drink.
Arriving back in London and my job in a City glass tower felt surreal after my trip. I started researching and contacting charities that might be able to build the well, if I raised the funds. There are many organisations that work to provide safe water around the world but they were often not able to take on one-off projects or did not work in this part of India – and local language skills as well as trusted contractors in the region are essential. Eventually I heard back from Water of Life (www.givefreshwater.net): they work in Andhra Pradesh and could build the well! Also, the cost was within my estimate!
To be able to access clean water every day would make a real positive difference for the people of Bridgipeta. I look forward to going back to see the new well. Thank you for your help in offering a hand of hope!
Updates
1
- 8 years ago
Esther Martin
8 years agoI'm really thrilled to have hit the one-third mark. A big 'thank you' to everyone who has contributed so far!
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Supporters
25
Cat Wheelhouse
Mar 5, 2017
Great cause Esther, well done. x
£30.00
Na
Mar 4, 2017
Dear EstherWhat a special time we had together in India, and I am so proud of you raising money for a well for the community inBridgipeta.God bless,Mum
£170.00
Murray & Rachel Seymour
Feb 16, 2017
Happy birthday Esther!
£50.00
Richard
Feb 15, 2017
Good on you Esther. Happy Birthday and all the best
£100.00
Na
Feb 15, 2017
Bless you as you live your life with purpose, and inspire others to do the same. "Maybe you were made for such a time as this" Esther 4:14 xx😊
£100.00
Rosalind Mason
Feb 12, 2017
Hi EstherHope you have a happy birthday. Here are my thoughts on wells.The well is deep and I require a draft of the water of life.Love from Rosalind
£50.00
John Williams
Jan 17, 2017
Brilliant idea & well done for organising such a worthwhile thing locally. I hope many people will be made well and well pleased.
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