Couple's mercy mission (From Barry And District News)

Couple's mercy mission

BARRY couple Lorraine and Mick Kendrick made a very special delivery on a recent trip to tsunami-hit Sri Lanka.

They went to visit Trincomalee School, which is being re-built with the help of 5,000 raised by house builder Crest Nicholson, where Lorraine is the sales and marketing director.

The couple delivered school bags which included pens, pencils, rulers and some treats for the children.

Lorraine and Mick were on holiday in the country last Christmas and by sheer chance, had flown from there to Dubai on Christmas day, just hours before disaster struck.

Lorraine said: "By a chance of fate Mick decided to ask for an earlier flight out of Sri Lanka on Christmas Day last year.

"It was obviously devastating to see the news the following day and realise that many of the wonderful people we had met had been affected by the tsunami.

"We wanted to do something to help and were put in touch with the school though our tour operator.

"Trincomalee School is in a remote part of northern Sri Lanka and it took two days travelling overland to reach it - but I am so pleased we did.

"When we got there we saw how our contribution is helping re-build the school. The children are grateful for everything.

"When we got there we blew up some balloons and the children's faces lit up with delight."

The money raised by Crest Nicholson is being used to create a library and music room as well as to provide residential accommodation for the teachers as the school is in such a remote area.