My journey started when my husband, a regular marathon runner and journalist entered the Lewa marathon in Kenya, Africa last year. He ran through the Lewa conservation and we both visited local schools, which had always been a dream of mine. One nursery stood out, Pepo la Tumaini.

It is part of a trust that looks after all aspects of orphaned children suffering or affected by AIDS. The school takes care of and supports the children who have become the main carers of sometimes up to 3 younger siblings all relying on them both financially and emotionally. In attempts to support their families, at an age as young as 12, these children have fallen victim to horrendous brutality and suffering.

The nursery has no funding and the children have no -where to live, little clothing and only eat the essential single meal a day provided by the nursery. The trust not only provides them with an education, but with food, shelter, housing in the community via foster families or school boarding, but essential health care that many of them who are suffering from HIV or AIDS need. But most of all it helps restore their dignity and provides hope for their futures.

I am very proud to say that Tara House has twinned with Pepo la Tumaini and will be helping raise money and provide equipment and clothes for these wonderful children.