Dr Dick Mc Pherson was one of the group that set up Monmouth Aid following the widespread famine in the autumn of 1984. This famine was the result of a number of years of drought in Ethiopia.

The people of Monmouth were invited to become shareholders in this charity and a number of these people are still donating to Monmouth Aid today. Money was also raised from street collections and numerous fund raising events including having runners in the London Marathon.

The money went directly to specific projects in Ethiopia and not a penny wasted on administration. These projects were selected by Action Aid and over the years Monmouth Aid has built, refurbished and expanded numerous rural schools in Ethiopia. The funds have also been used to bring clean drinking water to these village communities so that children and adults no longer had to spend long hours fetching water.

In the first 30 years of Monmouth Aid’s existence they raised £268,000 certainly a very impressive sum for a small town. Dick Mc Pherson received a British Empire Medal for his many years of involvement with the charity.

Monmouth Aid no longer works with Action Aid. Their projects were changing and becoming too large for them to undertake. They are now supporting medical facilities in Sierra Leone, one of the poorest of Africa’s 56 countries, in conjunction with the Kings Global Health Fund. It was only a few years ago that the first stroke unit was set up in the Connaught Hospital in the capital Freetown. Monmouth Aid has sent money directly to provide listed items of equipment for this unit. More recently funds have been sent to kit out 2 other new stroke units in Sierra Leone at the hospitals in the towns of Keneema and Makeni.

The Committee of Monmouth Aid continues to hold events and to raise money to support some of the world’s poorest communities who are in desperate need. Their next event will be the annual garden party in the Nelson Garden. This year things will be a little different as they will be celebrating our 40 years. It is being held on Sunday July 6th at 3pm. They are looking for additional committee members. If you are interested please email [email protected]