Today, on my birthday, I received a wonderful video from Kovur Children’s Home, singing me happy birthday. As always, this wonderful group of smiling, happy and talented boys brought a smile to my face and it was the best gift I could receive.

Just over a year ago when I got married in India, I visited the boys orphanage in Marcus’ home village - Kovur. I was so inspired by the beautiful spirit of these children and the amazing couple that have made it their life’s mission to look after these boys - whose stories are a testament to their triumph over adversity.

During that first visit, we discovered that the children badly needed new school bags, which our friend and best man James Coulling generously donated. Since then, on our subsequent visits, Marcus and I have been able to support the home where possible with small things like basic stationery for school and some indoor and outdoor games equipment. British Airways were very generous in giving me extra luggage allowance on one trip which enabled me to take clothes for the children.

The Children’s Home is funded 100% through charitable donations. Money is tight though and further support is vitally needed to help Dev Raj and his wife in their lives of service to these children.

The education system in India is very different to what we know in the UK. Children within their classes are ranked from an early age, with big billboards displaying the top grade students by the roadside! I was shocked. The state runs competitions for different subjects, with substantial kudos and prize money to be had. The children in the orphanage know, from a young age, that the way to a successful future is through study and education. They are an inspiration.

Isabel and Hugo could not believe their eyes when they saw the orphanage schedule which starts at 5.30am. The children’s self-motivation and determination to do well is truly inspiring. I can tell you it brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye when I heard the individual story’s of their trials - and then about their subsequent school achievements. Their smiles are infectious and you would never ever be able to imagine the hardship that has been endured.

6 months ago, the school told us about one of the older boys in the home, who had won an engineering scholarship. He needed a lap top computer for his studies, something prohibitively expensive. We could not help financially with this request yet I knew we had to do something.

Marcus and I are helping in small ways whenever we can. However, we would like to raise money this year to try and buy several computers, along with new school bags and supplies that are needed again for the newer children.

Any old laptop computers you have, that are no longer in use, would be so gratefully received (please message me directly). Thanks to British Airways Charitable Department for giving the extra luggage allowance to take them over...

...and any financial support to this fundraise, however Big or Small that you could help with would be gratefully received.

Thank you for your love and support. Sally x