WI members were privileged to welcome Chris Lawrence and his wife Teresa to their November meeting.
This hardworking and compassionate couple work tirelessly for the charity Out of Africa helping children who are afflicted by a disease called Noma.
Noma is a type of gangrene that destroys mucous membranes of the mouth and other tissues. It occurs in malnourished children in areas where sanitation and cleanliness are lacking. The exact cause is unknown but maybe due to a certain kind of bacteria. The disorder most often occurs in young severely malnourished children between 2 to 5. The infection spreads to the skin, and the tissues in the lips and cheeks die. This can eventually destroy the soft tissue and bone. The destruction of the bone around the mouth causes deformity of the face and loss of teeth.
Facing Africa currently funds two teams of highly skilled volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses who with instruments, dressings, sutures and drugs donated by companies work to repair the facial damage. Sometimes only one operation is needed but often more than one.
Not only do these children suffer physically with this disease but they are treated as outcasts by their families as it is classed as a curse in these primitive regions of Africa.
Chris gave his talk with expertise answering questions and explaining what donations can achieve for children who have lost a quarter or third of their face. New Face. New Life. New Hope. Paula Carr then recounted her visit to the annual council meeting in Salisbury which was both informative and enjoyable.
Next month’s meeting is the annual Christmas dinner to be held at a local hostelry.
Liz Lee
