Rotarians hear tsunami appeal latest

SWAFFHAM Rotary Club has heard how nearly 300 Thai children are benefitting from a living legacy in memory of a Norfolk mother who died in the Asian tsunami.

SWAFFHAM Rotary Club has heard how nearly 300 Thai children are benefitting from a living legacy in memory of a Norfolk mother who died in the Asian tsunami.

Louise Willgrass, 43, from Colney, near Norwich, was holidaying in the Thai resort of Phuket with her husband Nigel and their four children when she was caught up in the Boxing Day 2004 disaster.

A special charity, the Louise Willgrass Tsunami Fund, was set up in her name and her father, Michael Cornwell, a past president and current Foundation chairman, gave a presentation about its work to his fellow Rotarians and guests in Swaffham.

This was the first of many such presentations planned, with a view to him travelling up and down the country and updating supporters on the fund's achievements to date.

Michael's talk covered the period from the moment the tsunami first struck, the return of the family to Norwich, the ideas behind starting the fund in memory of Louise and the progress made.

It was an opportunity to explain why the fund is moving in a slightly different direction and, with the aid of slides, it was a chance to celebrate the completion of the fund's first major renovation project; a new classroom block for 286 children at Ban Ao Po school.

The renewed focus on renovating schools means that continued support is still required.

Mr Cornwell is welcoming the chance to share the latest news with groups and anyone who would like to arrange a presentation can contact Michael by email at mike@louisewillgrasstsunamifund.co.uk or call his mobile on 07768 914001.