Charity cycle helps orphans

A WALSALL travel agent has raised cash for a Sri Lankan orphanage ? rising from her hospital bed to complete an eight-mile sponsored bike ride.
Jo Durrant, who works at West Midlands Co-op Travel Ultra in Walsall, was in hospital having kidney stones removed but recovered to complete the charity ride a few weeks later.
Jo said: "It was the first time I have ridden a bike in about 15 years, but I raised over &#163 150 with donations from colleagues, family and friends. I&#039m sure the money will be well used to help pay for the orphanage&#039s work and give these children some kind of life and education."
The Jospeh Vaz Children&#039s Home, run by nun Sister Benette, is home to about 30 children and relies solely on donations and volunteer work. Jo heard about it from regular who came across the it while on holiday a few years ago.
There are now strong links between the orphanage and the West Midlands, with gifts and money from contributors taken out on a regular basis.
"Last year I gave some clothes for the children. I didn&#039t tell them I was doing the ride but I wanted to raise some money to help its excellent work."