Fundraiser pulls out of Indian hospice plan

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Fundraiser pulls out of Indian hospice plan

A FORMER supermarket worker has pulled out of a project to build a

hospital in India for AIDS and HIV patients as it nears completion.

Sheila , a former checkout operator at Newmarket's Waitrose

store, contributed £7,200 raised by supporters in Britain towards

the hospital in Bangalore.

The money has helped pay for a third of the building which is almost

ready for use.

Christian Aid had been prepared to support the running costs of the

hospital. But the offer of funding was withdrawn when the charity's

criteria could not be met.

In an email from India to local supporters, Mrs , 63,

said: " I am sure that eventually the hospital will help some

underprivileged patients, though not as many or as soon as I had

hoped. "

She said she intended to donate money raised in November, originally

intended for the hospital, to the Overseas Women's Club in Bangalore

which supports 25 Indian charities helping orphanages, homes for the

destitute and the physically disabled.

But she has offered to return the cash if any supporters disagree

with her suggestion.

The problem has arisen because Christian Aid funding requirements do

not allow Dr Nagaraj, the doctor set to run the hospital, and his

wife, also a doctor, to both be trustees.

" I am very sad to have to leave the project, " said Mrs , who

formerly lived in Soham.

Eileen , from , near Newmarket, went out to India last

year to help Mrs .

Mrs , who returned home in December, said: " I am happy to have

been involved. There will be a hospital and the idea is fantastic.

The doctor and his wife have borrowed money to help pay for the

hospital. He will treat HIV and AIDS patients from the slums who

have absolutely nothing.

" Good has come out of this. "

The hospital, a single-storey building, has beds for up to a dozen

in-patients. The building is structurally complete and some

equipment has already been provided. The total cost of the project

is more than £20,000.

Mrs has supported charities in India since 2002 after taking

a sabbatical from Waitrose when she completed 25 years service. She

has been helping to raise money for the hospital for about two years.

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