Raphael’s quality of life improves thanks to Reuse Littleborough and Forever Angels Baby Home

Raphael is a four-year old child with cerebral palsy who has had his life changed by Reuse Littleborough and Forever Angels Baby Home in Tanzania.

Reuse Littleborough, entirely run by volunteers at Stevenson Square in Smallbridge, aim to reuse many everyday items that would otherwise end up in the bin.

In addition to helping people locally, Reuse Littleborough have worked closely with the baby home, which was set up by Amy, who now lives in Bolton, after she found four dying babies in a hospital closet. She was told they were dying of AIDS, but actually, they were dying from starvation and neglect. She started the home which has cared for over 300 babies.

One of six children, Raphael, was living in dire poverty as his mother did not work. When Forever Angels first met him as part of their outreach program, he was lying on a wet and dirty mattress in a dark mud hut without any toys or stimulation.

Thanks to items donated by Reuse Littleborough in a 40ft container last year, the baby home was able to provide Raphael’s family with food, toys and a new mattress. They were even able to help his mum set up a business selling some of the clothes donated to Reuse Littleborough.

As a result, Raphael is thriving and his quality of life has vastly improved.

Michael Bamford, who runs Reuse Littleborough, said: “This wasn't done by giving us your money. These were donations of clothes, toys and other baby and children's things that were no longer wanted or needed. We want to change lives, one baby at a time.”

Raphael is just one of several children who has had his life changed by the group. Another young child, Haji, had his life changed after receiving one of 15 bicycles donated to Reuse Littleborough which was sent to the baby home.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/110106/bicycle-from-reuse-littleborough-changes-haji's-life

Due to an upcoming ban in Tanzania by 2019 of importing used clothing, Reuse Littleborough are again supporting Forever Angels this year. New clothes have already been banned in Tanzania as part of the East African Community’s plan to boost regional trade of their diminishing textile industry.

The group accept the following donations, amongst many other items:

• Baby and children's clothes.
• School clothing, including shirts, skirts, shorts, pants and black shoes.
• Toiletries, including toothbrushes, shampoo, wipes, cotton wool, buds.
• Medical items such as plasters, bandages, syringes, Calpol, thermometers, sanitary products.
• Children’s toys.
• Pre-school toys, books.
• Disabled equipment for children.
• Wheelchairs.
• Other clothing

White goods cannot be accepted.

To find out more, contact Michael Bamford:
reuselittleborough@gmail.com
07951 730458