A HOSPITAL director from Warrington is planning his fourth trip to Thailand to do voluntary work with youngsters affected by HIV and Aids.
Andy Eadsforth, 29, was appointed director of the Spire Cheshire Hospital at Stretton in January – and is the 
youngest hospital director to be appointed at any of the group’s 36 hospitals.
Andy was previously operations manager at the hospital. He first visited Thailand in November 2007 when his employer was organising a volunteers’ trip to help out, and is planning to return on April 2.
“It is hugely rewarding work and puts a lot of things into perspective,” he said. “It is real ‘hands on’ work.”
He volunteers at Sarnelli House, which is made up of four different orphanages in Nong Khai in Northern Thailand.
The orphanage houses more than 130 children, from babies up to 16, who are either infected with the HIV Virus or have been orphaned by parents who died because of the virus. It was set up to cope with the AIDS problem in Thailand which Andy says is exacerbated by the high number of prostitutes and the promiscuity of Thai males.
Andy says the atmosphere at the orphanage is “quite positive” as the children are well fed, given medical treatment and go to school.
On his first visit he helped with renovation work and painting at the orphanage, but now he provides education and entertainment.
He said: “It is very humbling to be out there. The orphanages are very happy places for the kids, and the alternatives would be much worse – including trafficking, prostitution or begging.”
During his trips Andy runs English classes for the children and helpers and organises activities like fishing, cycling, basketball, football and water fights.
He takes resources, medical supplies and cash donated locally, and anyone who can help should contact him at the hospital. Donations of toys and clothes can also be sent out to the orphanage.
Andy added: “It is a very positive place to work, and is difficult to come away from.”
Pictured: Andy with some of his orphanage friends
Hospital chief to work in orphanage
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
