WITH only a few days left organisers of the planned aid run from Coleford to Romanian orphans have been saddened by the news that a young spina bifida girl they were taking a wheelchair for has just died.
"Obviously it is heartbreaking news about little Serban. But we will still take the chair because we are assured that unfortunately someone else is sure to need it," said organiser Mike Authers.
As well as the wheelchair for Serban, 13, whose family lived in desperately poor conditions in a cramped apartment block, the group has amassed a huge collection of clothing, toys and baby necessities.
With the best part of six tonnes of equipment and goods ready to roll the team of 11 still needs more sorters to box and list the last of the goods.
They will also be refurbishing a run-down hospital and building an adventure playground for the orphans while in Romania.
"We are also still about £1,500-£1,800 short of our cash target, so if anyone has been thinking of helping, now is the moment," said Mr Authers, of Coleford, who has been masterminding the venture.
He and his team are also arranging to take another 180 cases of aid to a Monastery in Campudlong for the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle in Birmingham.
And as they prepare for their August departure they are also planning to return to the area next spring to finish off any work they cannot complete this time round.
Mike can be contacted on Dean (01594) 835967.