A GRANDMOTHER is today looking for help to raise money to build new houses for shanty town dwellers in the Dominican Republic.Pamela Geoghegan, of Seymour Road, Stoke, Ipswich, became attached to the cause after visiting the country last year with Christian charity, Mission Direct, where she discovered Haitians and Dominicans living in desperate poverty.

A GRANDMOTHER is today looking for help to raise money to build new houses for shanty town dwellers in the Dominican Republic.

Pamela Geoghegan, of Seymour Road, Stoke, Ipswich, became attached to the cause after visiting the country last year with Christian charity, Mission Direct, where she discovered Haitians and Dominicans living in desperate poverty.

When many people died and dilapidated shacks were washed away in violent storms and monsoon rains, Mrs Geoghegan decided she wanted to do something to help.

She said: “I would like people to know you can do this at 64. It was fantastic to know I was making a difference.”

She is now looking to raise £3000, which will fund two concrete houses, before she returns to the country in October.

The 64-year-old said: “I was helping to paint some of the new houses but this year, I wanted to raise enough money to buy two more for them. They are such lovely people.”

Each new house will accommodate a family of six or seven, which often includes grandparents. For the first time, there will also be running water and a toilet in the houses.

PANEL

As well as planning to organise a number of fundraising events over the next few months, Mrs Geoghegan is also making and selling eco-friendly shopping bags.

The next event will be a charity Ladies Day in Ipswich. There will be four specialist therapists offering a number of 30-minute sessions of treatments including reflexology and Indian head massages at the event at 7 Holly Road, off Ivry Street, near Christchurch Park. It will take place between 10am and 2pm on April 15.

One session costs £15. Alternatively, entry to all the sessions costs £50. To book, call 07721 521 660 or e-mail rebeccamaycreed@yahoo.co.uk

n. If you want to contribute some cash to help the cause, call Mrs Geoghegan on 01473 435646 or write cheques payable to Mission Direct and send them to her address at 18 Seymour Road, Ipswich, IP2 8EN.