THE generosity of north Essex residents has been taken overseas to benefit people in eastern Namibia.

Roger and Linda Bullen, of Colchester Road, West Mersea, travelled to the African country as part of their charity work to improve schooling and medical facilities in the region.

The couple set up the Catherine Bullen Foundation following the death of their daughter in August 2002, aged 22.

Catherine, a fifth year medical student, was on a safari in Namibia ahead of a work placement in the region when she was struck down with severe gastroenteritis and died.

Since then, her parents have campaigned to raise money for improving facilities and providing equipment to a medical centre and school in the region.

Linda and Roger recently returned to Namibia to help at the Otjimanangombe Primary Healthcare Clinic, in rural eastern Namibia, which was built by the foundation.

While out there, they helped with the victim of a road crash and battled to save a young woman suffering from severe dehydration.

Linda, who is sister in charge of orthopedic pre-admission at Colchester General Hospital, said: “It’s completely different and extremely rewarding to be able to help at the clinic.

“The dehydrated girl was 22 years old, the same age as Catherine, and brought back lots of memories.

“In this case the clinic was here for her and we were able to stabilise her and she is now recovering.”

She continued: “I was also privileged to be there on the doctor’s monthly visit accompanied by a dentist and optician.

“We had 72 patients pass through the clinic that day.

“We also managed to do an outreach visit into the bush to provide medication and vaccinations to the bushmen and their families.

“One of the settlements we visited was at Voormansput, which has the goats that have been donated by the foundation’s supporters and we were pleased to learn 38 ewes were pregnant.”

While in Namibia, Linda also handed out blankets, knitted by Joan Garrard and Lil Clarke, from West Mersea, and visited the Omuhaturua Primary School to distribute football shirts donated by Great Bentley Primary School.

The school is raising funds for the foundation’s current project to provide a canteen and kitchen for the school hostel. Plans are in hand to twin the two schools.

The foundation has so far raised £36,000 of the target £66,000.

l To learn more about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.namibia-aid.org.uk or call 01206 383368.