There's work still to do (From Penarth Times)

There's work still to do

Dedicated: Retired shop-owner helps orphans in deprived areas of Kenya

A MAN has dedicated his retirement to helping orphans in Kenya - and says that if he won the lottery he would give them the money.

The 69-year-old from Penarth, who used to own a furniture shop in the town, jets out several times a year to use funds he has raised to buy essential goods for the children - and to pay for medical treatment.

James Radford, of Redlands Avenue, has an irregular heartbeat and was told not to go to Kenya because of the health risks - but he decided to go anyway.

The father-of-three sons, who has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, said: "I just want to help these children.

"If I could give the elders money to spend on things they need I would make sure they used the money wisely.

"That is one of the biggest problems in Kenya - even if money is given to the country it does not reach the people at the bottom who need it."

Mr Radford has taken football strips out for the orphans' football team.

He said: "Legal and General donated a football kit to them and they absolutely loved it.

"They were so happy when I took some footballs. I am sure if a club came out here they would find some David Beckhams in the local teams."

He helped to secure a home in Kenya called New Life Children's Home where orphans are looked after and educated.

The retired shopkeeper said: "If I could help them more I would.

"This time I want to raise money by selling all the statues and other memorabilia to pay for the operations these youngsters need.

"All the people are so happy with what they have - even if they have very little.

"They treat everyone the same even if they are from another country. They seem to enjoy life so much."

In the past he has paid for a young boy to have his feet straightened and also paid for a young girl to have her burnt finger treated.

The latest child is Moses Juma, a one-year-old who was born without bones in his legs. Payment is needed for his hospital treatment, x-rays and other medical necessities.

Mr Radford said: "If he does not get any help then he will be unable to lead a normal life. He will become a beggar on the streets.

"There are so many children who simply end up on the streets. There is no provision there for the disabled children.

"Without the treatment his legs will just swell up like balloons and he will not be able to walk."

Kenya is a very poor country and the average age of mortality is just 45 years for the 32 million people who live there.

The government is voted in, but Mr Radford does not think it helps the people enough.