A BIG thank you to the donors and helpers for the Container appeal.

On behalf of the Orphans in Mulanje (Malawi) I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who donated money, goods and time. The container arrived safely in Mulanje after seven weeks at sea.

I was lucky enough to be in Mulange when it arrived. The people were shocked to see such a big container full of goods. They worked hard for eight hours with no fork lifters, off loading and packing the goods by hand. It was hard work but they appreciated it and were very thankful for everything.

My friends and I managed to distribute clothes to 2,300 children in eight centres, fitted two bore holes for clean water, decorated and opened four nursery schools for under fives.

It was wonderful to see the children playing with the toys, books and bicycles. We built and bought a maize hill, set up four computers and sewing machines for the children to learn some skills.

The children are doing well and we have managed to reduce the death rate as a volunteer doctor treats the children. We sang and danced and held both a football and a netball tournament. There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel.

We are continuing with the feeding programme and wished we could feed them everyday.

Once again thank you for just being there for the orphans, every little that you have contributed has gone a long way and it has made a big difference to the children's lives. God bless you all.

M Woodhouse, Walmer Bridge, Preston