PRIMROSE PEACOCK last year raised funds to provide 18 sewing machines to enable destitute Albanian women, or older girls with family responsibilities, to train as factory outworkers or village "sewing ladies".

The most recent recipient was Hafize Ademi, a widow living with her two teenage children in a run-down state apartment block in Cerrik, central Albania. The family struggles to live on £37 a month after buying medication for Redulf, who is 15, handicapped, and needs round-the-clock care. With charity help, his sister Rexhina, aged 18, has begun training as a nurse.

Asking everyone who was on her Christmas-card list to substitute a small donation for a card, Mrs Peacock raised £600 for Albania Community Assist, a charity involved in projects that focus on the most disadvantaged. Efforts to help the family continue.

http://ica-uk.co.uk