a day ago
Lydia Bright breaks down in tears as she meets Ugandan family her daughter Loretta, five, sponsored after donating her birthday money
TOWIE star Lydia Bright has shared video of the emotional moment she met a Ugandan family she has been sponsoring.
The star has travelled to Uganda to see where Joy For Humanity charity donatations have been utilised on the ground.
Lydia shared a video of herself meeting up with a little girl named Rahufa and her family as she explained how her daughter Loretta, five, had chosen to forgo birthday gifts from her friends in favour of donations for the charity.
Loretta subsequently became the charity's youngest sponsor for a child - her 'sister' Rahufa.
Lydia couldn't contatin her emotions as she finally met the little girl, her three siblings and her mother at their home this week, sharing video and photos of little Rahufa in her school uniform.
'Like so many children in the UK, Loretta has too much. Too many toys, too many clothes, too many books.'
'After planning a birthday party for her school friends back in February, I found myself dreading the 40+ presents she'd receive (a very privileged problem to have, I know.)' Lydia explained to her followers.
'A few years ago through my mums fostering connection she began supporting children in Uganda through uniform donations.'
'That's when I learnt more about Uganda, how it still remains one of the poorest countries in the world and the heartbreaking fact that 1 in 8 children in the the Lwengo District won't live to celebrate their 5th birthday. It felt like the perfect time for a change.'
'This year, my Loretta became the youngest sponsor. Instead of gifts, we asked her friends to donate to sponsor a child's education.'
'Loretta will eventually outgrow or misplace toys, but through her annual birthday sponsorship she'll be putting a child, her sister in Uganda, Rahufah through school and I dream of the day they'll one day meet in person.'
I know as she grows this will teach Loretta the importance of giving back and I know how impactful this will be on her throughout her years. Her birthday raised over £500, enough to fully sponsor a child (it costs just £300 a year to send a child to Kyazanga Modern Primary School) and provide much needed school supplies and resources for many others.'
Lydia's posts were met with an outpouring of love and support from her family and friends, including her mum Debbie and TOWIE pal Chloe Lewis.
Some followers criticised the post though, with one commenting of Loretta: 'Im sure she is just thrilled to be the only kid in class that noone gives any presents to foe her birthday. Won't make her grow up to be even more [sic]'
But a defiant Lydia pointed out: 'She received presents from her family and I don't believe any child needs over 40 gifts. My child, my parenting choice.'
