Ramelton couple Myrtle and Alan Doherty have pulled off another hugely successful charity drive in aid of the Vesnova children’s orphanage in Belarus.

The appeal, now its eighth year, focused on collecting nappies, toiletries and vital medications with the aim of improving the lives of children in orphanages and homes in areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Donations flood in from all over Donegal every January to support the Dohertys’ charity mission.

This year, the collection has smashed previous records with an incredible 125,000 nappies donated to the cause – up 40,000 on last year’s total.

Belarus Orphanage Appeal Delivery 2019

A large group of volunteers came together at Myrtle and Alan’s house last weekend to help them load all the donations into a lorry destined for the continent.

Speaking to Donegal Woman, Myrtle says that the response to this year’s appeal has been overwhelming.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to our annual appeal for Belarus.

“To those who co-ordinated collections in other areas for us, (Rachelle, Orla and Frances) to the business community who contributed, to our friends, family and community for their unfailing support every year, to the very helpful crew who came to load the lorry this morning, and to Jim Kavanagh for driving up from Kilkenny to collect it all, thank you all so much.

“This year we collected 125,000 nappies, dozens of boxes of toiletries, medicines and wipes, crutches, wheelchairs, walking aids, zimmer frames and the 1500 bags of clothes that went also.

“Glad to see it all loaded up and away.

“Until the next time.”