THE death of a young St Helens man in a tragic road accident is helping to improve the lives of youngsters in a Bangladeshi orphanage.

Peter and Paula Byrnes, from Penryn Avenue, Laffak set up an appeal in aid of the Bottomley Home Orphanage in Dhaka, as a tribute to their son Brian, who died a few days short of his 20th birthday while trying to cross the East Lancashire Road in Haresfinch.

Brian had expressed a wish to do something to help the Bangladeshi people who were, at the time, experiencing severe floods. And his family decided to honour this by setting up the appeal.

Peter told the Star: "Our other son Alan made his second trip to Dhaka at the beginning of October with £2,000, raised through various donations. After asking the workers how it would be best spent, he has used £1,250 to pay for enough fabric to make school uniforms for all the children. They all attend school but have never worn uniforms as the orphanage couldn't afford them. But it must have made them feel different from other children who could wear them and we felt it was very important for the orphanage children to have their own uniforms.

"He also used £160 on stainless steel plates and drinking cups, £100 to replace old bedding and more than £200 to buy six months worth of essential medical supplies. He also used £260 in necessary duties and fees to release some toys we had already sent over, from the customs department."

Peter added: "Again, I would like to thank everybody who has donated or helped us raise much needed-funds for the orphanage."

THE appeal is still continuing and anyone wishing to donate can contact Peter on (01744) 22896 or e-mail him on orphanage@freenetpages.co.uk. Alternatively, you can access his website on www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/orphanage.