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Baphumelele Children's Home

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YOU GAVE US THE GIFT OF LIFE

by Oliver Harvey

AIDS victim kids have been given the best Christmas present of all by Sun readers - the gift of life.

We told earlier this month of pop stars Bono and Beyonce's visit to abandoned youngsters at a children's home in Baphumelele, South Africa. The kids have been sentenced to death by the HIV virus that is gripping Africa. But as a result of our World AIDS Day article abouth the 45 doomed tots a charity has now stepped in.

One to One Children's Fund is to provide vital drugs, which will give the children a better chance of life. And Sun readers sent in thousands of pounds to help their leaky, ramshackle orphanage.

Last night orphanage head, Rosalia Mashale, 41, said: "Its been a special Christmas for these little babies. they now have a life to look forward to. Thank you so much."

The tots will receive anti retroviral (ARV) drugs. These stop the HIV virus reproducing and attacking the body's immune system. It does not cure the disease, but it does add years to the life expectancy of victims.

When Bono and Beyonce visited Khayalitsha township, near Cape Town, we pictured them cradling orphans, Emily, one, and Hope, two. The stars were told that they, like many of the tots, are HIV positive, abandoned by AIDS ravaged parents. And the cash strapped orphanage could not afford to buy the medicines it needs. U2 star, Bono, 43, said: " You read all the awful statistics but it really hits home when you hold a very very sick little girl like Emily in your arms knowing she will die if nothing is done. I think decent people will read The Sun, see the picture of Emily and feel, 'I know that's not right."

Sun photographer Dave Hogan took four months supply of milk substitute, maize and beans to the home. The chairman of One to One, David Altschuler, 53, said last night: "Thanks to Sun readers the children have received the best possible Christmas present - the gift of life. It costs so little to keep a child alive. Children whose families have lost hope are able to leave hospital and retrun to their former lives."

So far Sun readers have donated more than £6,000 to the oprhanage. Reader Margaret Halsey, 82, from Porchester, Hants, made a donation from her pension. She said last night: " I was heartbroken to read about these poor orphans in The Sun, so I gave as much as I could."

The Sun, Saturday December 27th 2003

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