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The Leprosy Mission benefits from 90th birthday celebrations
Sutton Coldfield resident Mrs Madge Sweeney, affectionately known to her family and friends as Billie, recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Quite a milestone for anyone and to celebrate the occasion she held a party at Sutton Conservative Club for her family, friends and helpers.
However, unlike most birthday parties, guests didn't arrive laden with beautifully wrapped gifts for Billie. Instead, under strict instructions from the party host, donations for her favourite charity, The Leprosy Mission, were the order of the day!
Billie knows only too well that the disease takes its toll physically on the sufferer, causing skin lesions and nerve damage which frequently results in damage to the eyes, hands and feet. This can lead to infections and even amputations if not treated quickly enough. The disease also carries with it a stigma so ingrained in many of the communities where the it prevails that sufferers have been known to be cast out of their villages. Sometimes, through fear, they are shunned by their families. This is particularly tragic when one realises that leprosy CAN be cured.
In over 30 countries, those fortunate enough to be treated at Leprosy Mission Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centres receive medication, surgery and retraining to enable them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Billie's generous gift of £730 raised through her joyous celebration will change the lives of many she will never meet, but who will be ever grateful for the new life it has given them.
Thank you Billie for your thoughtful generosity.