Our college receptionist Sharon supports Kenyan children with her family-run charity

A mum has put out a plea for clothing and shoes for her family-run charity that provides education, medical support and clothing for Kenyan children.

Sharon Tipp, a receptionist at Cambridge Regional College, has been running Kenya Help for nine years, after she saved a toddler’s life during a holiday in 2010.

“We were on a day trip going up a mountain when we saw a three year old boy lying at the side of the road. We were told he had malaria and was seriously ill,” she said.

“Parents cannot afford to treat their children and there is a belief system surrounding evil spirits that makes people sick. So, sadly, often these children have no help or care. I was deeply upset.”

“When we got back to the hotel, I tracked down the hotel doctor who gave me a syringe of medication. The next day we returned and injected the boy, who made a complete recovery within two days.

“That syringe cost just £6. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe how cheap it was to save a life. From that moment on I made a deal with myself that I would help.”

With the support of her husband Trevor, who works for HMRC, she set up Kenya Help and for nine years the Haverhill couple have travelled out every year with clothing and supplies.

Sharon said: “Friends and family raised £12,000 in the first year, we were overwhelmed by such kindness. We went out to the villages to give food, medicines, supplies and still had £8,000 left, which we ploughed back into the charity to begin to provide education.”

The charity has now paid for the education of 26 children including one who is now in university. Sharon hopes to grow this side of the charity even more in the coming years.

It is a family affair for Sharon and Trevor whose children Danielle, 39, Natahsa, 38, Alex, 28, Michelle, 27, and Harry, 30, support their parents by running the website and social media pages as well as keeping on top of administration.

Sharon said: “Our big plea now is for clothing and shoes. I can collect or they can bring to me.

“I do this because it’s rewarding, it’s my passion. I love helping, I love knowing that in our own small way we are making a difference.

“Volunteers come out with us most years, paying for the trips themselves. They come because they want to help. It is hard to put into words how amazing it feels, but the positivity from helping others, is truly powerful stuff.”

Follow their news about Kenya Help on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.geary.921

 To find out more visit http://www.kenya-help.co.uk/Home_Page.php  

To get in touch email or call Sharon on 07495-609077.