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 In the mid-1950s, Barbara was invited to serve as a voluntary prison visitor in Purulia, India. This was through her work on a government welfare committee, whose main purpose was to encourage and accelerate village development in deprived areas around Purulia. The emphasis was on the needs of women and children. During this time Barbara contacted Mother Theresa to ask her to accept a Hindu teenage girl into her care. When Purulia began regular training courses, Mother Theresa was able to send some of her leprosy workers. Speaking at the Mission's centenary celebrations in 1974, Mother Theresa said 'I thank God for The Leprosy Mission and its workers. It is their inspiration and dedication that set the example and gave me the courage to begin my work with leprosy sufferers'. Eddie and Barbara showed love in action and touched many affected by leprosy.
Mr AD Askew OBE, known as Eddie, served The Leprosy Mission faithfully for 37 years. Eddie and Barbara joined The Leprosy Mission in 1950. 24 years later Eddie became the International Director for The Leprosy Mission, spearheading the campaign for the relief of leprosy sufferers worldwide. After his retirement in 1987 he continued with his much-loved writing and painting. After Eddie's death in 2007, Revd Silvano Perotti, Director for Europe and Deputy Director for The Leprosy Mission International, who worked closely with him, said, "Eddie was a man of integrity whose love for God found expression in respect for people. Fifteen years of exhilarating, stimulating, challenging, sometimes frustrating but never boring involvement as we sought to give expression to the love and relevance of Christ."
In 2009 and in honour of Barbara and Eddie's significant achievements and contribution to us, The Leprosy Mission England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have set up bursary grants. They are discretionary awards which will be given to individuals who demonstrate commitment to The Leprosy Mission and which will assist the individual to prepare for, or participate in, work with the Mission.
Full terms and conditions can be found here, together with an application form which should be completed and submitted by 31 July 2010.
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