I have been a passionate shoebox filler for the past 4 years and have visited Belarus on two occasions. 

I've seen the abject poverty, I've seen the stark contrast to Western life, I've experienced all the highs and all the lows associated with such a trip, and i am desperate to go back!

So, I've come up with a plan. I'm going to get rid of my lovely blonde hair, albeit bleached! The hair that I lovingly have blown by a hairdresser once a week, the hair that I cherish and adore......!

So, it's temperatures of up to -15 or so in January for my poor little head! It has never been exposed to the elements in such a way, I was even born with a thick head of hair! I've simply never been without lots of it!

I have added some photographs although there are more on my Facebook group page, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149378368436768

 The ones here show Ira, a delightful, solemn little girl, aged just two, abandoned in a babies home by her alcoholic Mother, who lives just minutes away and has never been back to see her daughter. I spot her as soon as I walk in the room and make a beeline for her. I present her with a shoebox, lovingly covered by someone, somewhere in Christmas wrapping paper. She just stares blankly at me, the box doesn't get a first, never mind a second look. I removed the tape, open the box, trying to play an almost 'peek a boo' style game as I open it, she shows some interest, although she doesn't laugh. Once I've opened the box, we start to removed the lovely contents, she has no understanding what to do with the bells, but after a bit of hand holding whilst rattling, she's cracked it!

I play with Ira for over two hours, by this time, I don't want to leave, I want to stay and play longer!

Sleep doesn't come easily that night, going over and over in my head, how can she, so beautiful, so tiny and fragile, be abandoned?

Sergei lives with his Mother & 2 brothers. Sergei has Thyroid cancer. He is 7. He is one of many who have suffered after the Chernobyl disaster as over 70% of the pollution fell onto Belarus.

I have been given the opportunity to go back to Belarus, to distribute more shoeboxes, to children like Ira & Sergei. It is a small, simple thing that costs so little and makes such an enormous impact on the child's life.

Please help me to put a smile on these children's faces. Sponsor me, even a small amount, every penny counts!

There are so many people who still aren't aware of the OCC Shoebox appeal. I will dedicate a shoebox full of goodies and packed to the brim with love for every donation I receive. 

Photo's of me before and after will be added and I hope to get the local press involved to document it. Every piece, falling to the floor!

I have chosen Just Giving to accept donations on my behalf as they send the money straight to Samaritan's Purse, the organisation I will be travelling out with.

God Bless you for your time & donations!

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