FROM HALTON WITH LOVE (From Warrington Guardian)

FROM HALTON WITH LOVE

TWO charity workers are on another mercy mission to Romania.

It is the 39th trip for John Rushworth since he founded his Mission to Eastern Europe aid charity in 1981.

He left Widnes in a convoy of three vehicles, packed full of emergency supplies, babyfood and toiletries.

Also with them are three kidney dialysis machines for the city hospital in Clug and computers for a school.

John and his team will be meeting up with Mary McVeigh, who has worked tirelessly in another part of Romania, helping mentally ill patients.

They have linked up for a special project - to paint 15 rooms in a poverty-stricken hospital for mentally handicapped adults in Timmis de Sus. They also hope to instal some showers.

Mary, of Lynton Crescent, first travelled to Romania in 1990 with a team of nurses.

Since then, she has continued to help various groups on her own, supported by Soroptimist International.

She said: "The conditions in this hospital are appalling. We are trying to create a more homely atmosphere for the patients.

"They have already been abandoned. Decorating their rooms will improve their quality of life and show that someone cares."

John said: "What makes it all worthwhile is that you can make a difference, even if it is only a small difference.

"Conditions in this hospital are absolutely horrendous. Altogether, 40 rooms need to be decorated. We're planning on painting 15 to begin with.

He added: "Romania is not in the headlines any more but the people still desperately need our help."

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