Rodney off on African mission

As they leave their home in Tyrone behind them, they will be relocating to an 18 acre orphanage for the Wakamba tribe.

He has supported the charity, Friends of Africa Missionary Endeavour (FAME), for many years, which is an Evangelical Christian charity that provides medicine and humanitarian aid to remote areas of Kenya.

For Rodney's wife Alma, and their four children, Jordan 12, Amy 10, Calvin 6 and Grace 3, it means the start of a new challenging life in a new country.

Rodney, who has been working for Acheson and Glover for 18 years, said that in November last year he realised that he was destined for a new life in Africa.

The former Sunday School teacher at Cookstown Free Presbyterian Church, started off his career working as a dispatch clerk, but rose up the ranks to become Group Specification Manufacturer.

Raymond Acheson, the company's Managing Director said that he is very sorry to see Rodney go.

He said: "Rodney has been a great asset to Acheson and Glover, and he's one of the key people who have helped build the company to the points where it's at today.

"Our sadness at his leaving is tempered by great pride that one of our employees will be helping to make a real difference. We wish him all the very best in the future."

The father of four said that it was a spiritual calling that persuaded him to embark on his new life.

He said: "I can honestly say that I would never have left the company for any other reason, and I have nothing but respect for the directors and staff."

The company have now adopted FAME as it chosen charity for this year, and at a farewell presentation Rodney was presented with a 1,000 cheque form Mr Acheson, while fellow staff members held a fund raising quiz to help support the chairty's work in Kenya.