This funding project has been created by Mr. Thomas Ogah and Dr. Russell Foster for the support of Mr. Ogah's aunt.

We are seeking to raise funds to support Mrs. Nweke Ochia, resident of the village of Alike in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mrs. Ochia (far left of photo) is now past 80 years old and is supporting all eight of her young grandchildren alone. Mrs Ochia is mother to five children, four of whom have sadly passed away in recent years from congenital heart failure and sickle-cell anaemia. Her last surviving daughter supports her when possible, but as she has five small children of her own there is little left for her mother. This leaves Mrs. Ochia alone to support her other eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Ochia has been a widow for many years. To date, she has supported her family by selling fish. But this is a precarious trade and her advancing age means that she cannot sustain it for long.

Mrs. Ochia's nephew Mr. Thomas Ogah, with his wife Mrs. Aneta Ogah, have on several occasions visited his aunt to help support her. But the rapidly rising cost of air travel between Great Britain and Nigeria, and supporting their own family, means that they are no longer able to visit frequently. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is unable to assist with a pension or social welfare support, and in the absence of any other income, it is unclear how long Mrs. Ochia can continue to support eight orphaned children.

We humbly ask that you help us to raise funds for Mrs. Ochia which will allow her to provide for her grandchildren until they are of working age, and able to support her. Old age is something that most of us will have to face one day, and one day we too might need help like Mrs. Ochia. Please give generously.

Mr. Thomas Ogah
Dr. Russell Foster

United Kingdom