Ash cloud ends Thai orphans visit to area

The trip fell foul of the Icelandic ash cloud last weekend and had to be cancelled at the last moment. The group were in London but were unable to make the final leg of their journey.

The orphans are victims and survivors of the 2004 Thailand tsunami and their education is supported by the generosity of people across Northern Ireland. As a result of yet another natural disaster they missed out on the chance to visit the area that has shown so much support for their plight over the years.

Charity organiser Willie Gregg said: “I was gutted when the trip had to be cancelled. The children were really looking forward to meeting some of the people from Northern Ireland who had been supporting them for so long.

“They wanted to say thank you themselves and now the opportunity has gone. A whole range of activities had been arranged but it was not to be.”

The children had been due to visit lots of sights across the North Coast including the Giant’s Causeway, Barry’s and the Portrush Lifeboat, as well as taking part in a special assembly at the DH Christie School in Coleraine.

“So many people had rallied round to help make this a wonderful trip for the orphans and I want to thank them all for their kind offers of support”, said Willie. “This opportunity has gone but I hope that we can arrange something else in the future.

“I spoke on the BBC’s Gerry Anderson show on Monday and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support I have had since. Yet again I would like to thank everyone who supported this venture and also everyone who has supported the charity over the past years.”

If you would like to find out more about Willies Orphan Fund and the important work with orphans of the Thai tsunami, visit www.williesorphanfund.com.