In January 2018, our Cathedral Dean, Monsignor Gerard Robinson took up an invitation to visit the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre at Ahotokurom in Ghana. (Ahotokurom means ‘Place of Serenity’).

The centre, near Cape Coast, was established in the early 1980s as a partnership between the DMJ sisters, the Franciscan Order and local people, to rehabilitate and reintegrate former leprosy and Buruli ulcer sufferers into their communities.The centre now provides a range of services including health care, social care and education for the disabled and disadvantaged.

During his visit, Monsignor Gerard witnessed the daily challenges faced and asked whether there was anything we could do to help. They explained that their most desperate and urgent need is for a new bus to transport children, adults and staff to and from the centre.

Their present bus is old and often breaks down as the harsh bush roads are very demanding. The bus is essential as the only means of transport for the children, adults and staff who attend the day centre. The cost of a suitable new bus would be around £70,000, although approximately £20,000 has already been raised by the ‘Friends of Ahotokurom DMJ’ UK charity. Our challenge is therefore to help to raise the £50,000 that is required to finance the purchase of a new bus.

St Mary's Cathedral and other parishes, schools and individuals in the Diocese of Middlesbrough have already raised over £15000. As the Treasurer for the Fund, I am aiming to help by taking part in the 2018 Tees Pride 10K run on Sunday 2nd September. I have run the 10K race four times before, but the last of those was six years ago, and, as I am now 63, it's been a bit of a toil to get the legs moving again !

It's safe to say that I won't be winning the race, but if you would be willing to sponsor me that will certainly help to motivate me towards the finish line. Anything you can give will be most gratefully received.