Christian Aid organised for Harleston fundraiser to meet aid worker helping Syrian children
Fundraiser Marion Courtney meets aid worker Marija Vranesevic. Picture: Christian Aid. - Credit: Archant
When Marion Courtney saw the plight of children in Syria, she felt compelled to do her part to help out.
Marion Courtney when she shaved her head to raise money for Syrian children through Christian Aid. Picture: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2015
She decided to have her hair shaved off – at the age of 90 – in the hope of raising money for Christian Aid to help support their humanitarian efforts in Europe and the Middle East.
Her fundraising efforts in September 2015 raised £2,771 and as a thank you, the charity recently arranged for refugee worker Marija Vranesevic to visit Mrs Courtney in Harleston.
Mrs Vranesevic, who works for a partner agency of Christian Aid called Philanthropy, told the now 91-year-old that her money had been used to buy much-needed items including food for babies and adults, warm clothes, blankets, raincoats, as well as showers, toilets and hygiene items.
Mrs Courtney said she was 'very moved' by the plight of the Syrian children.
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She said: 'I have 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and the thought of them being treated as those Syrian children had been appalled me. It is nice to know the children are being looked after and cared for.
'It was very nice to meet Marija. She was a delightful person and very interesting to talk to.'
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In addition to meeting Mrs Courtney, Mrs Vranesevic also spoke at different churches in Norfolk, including Norwich Cathedral, about the current problems refugees in Europe are experiencing.
She said: 'Marion is an inspiration to me. She is so alive at 91 and to do this to make such a difference is wonderful. She is a very special person. We are so grateful.'
For more information visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/
