Emma KnightsNEEDY children in Nepal are being given a better chance in life thanks to one man from Carbrooke - and he is now asking for people to help boost his fundraising efforts further so that a new home can be built for the youngsters.Emma Knights

NEEDY children in Nepal are being given a better chance in life thanks to one man from Carbrooke - and he is now asking for people to help boost his fundraising efforts further so that a new home can be built for the youngsters.

Terry Mahoney, 64, is an executive director of an orphanage called the Humanitarian Concern Centre in Kathmandu which looks after about 30 children - some of who are orphans while others live there because their families cannot afford to look after them.

Over the years Mr Mahoney has raised about �20,000 through events and donations to help pay for the children's home, food, schooling and exam fees and uniforms.

His latest project is to buy some land and build a permanent place for the children to live - and on Saturday, September 4 with the help of his wife Ann, 64, he is holding a fundraising Texas Barbecue and Rodeo at Carbrooke Village Hall.

Mr Mahoney already has about �6,000 for the project but estimates it will cost about �11,000 to buy the land and about �25,000 to build the orphanage.

He explained that until recently the children have never been able to settle in any one place for more than a year.

During his last visit in October Mr Mahoney was able to secure a deal where the orphanage could rent the same property for the next five years - but he said ultimately the orphanage needs its own home built on its own land.

Mr Mahoney said: 'All these children need in their lives is some sort of stability. What has been achieved to date is living proof as to what a relatively small amount of money in our terms can do for those who literally have nothing.

'The children there have very little and they are very appreciative of anything done for them. They are all very focussed on their future. They are very keen to learn and work hard and make something of themselves.

'The first girl to leave the orphanage, Shristi Pariyar, is now studying to be an accountant and I have loaned her and her husband Ganesh some money so that they can start a little tailoring business.

'It is very rewarding to know they are doing so well.'

Mr Mahoney said on his next trip to Nepal in April he intends to look for the land for the orphanage, and he said the land would be used for the children to grow their own fruit and vegetables until enough money is raised to build a home on it.

The Texas Barbecue and Rodeo at Carbrooke Village Hall on Saturday, September 4 starts at 7pm. There will be country and western dancing, wild bull riding, line dancing and a Wild West trivia quiz and raffle.

Tickets cost �10 and include a Texas-style chilli jacket potato and barbecued spare ribs.

For more information or to donate money to the orphanage e-mail Mr Mahoney on tmahoney@gotadsl.co.uk