She received an Ocean Stars Lanka welcome of a garland. Trustees Jo and Kate both came to meet Hannah as well as our Sandra our Ocean Stars Trip Assistant. We would like to wish Hannah Good Luck with her internship at Ocean Stars Trust.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting Sri Lanka in July this year. I loved being able to finally see for myself the work and support that Ocean Stars is continuing to provide to so many families in various communities after my mum visiting a number of times with OST. I was able to meet the girl that my family have been sponsoring for so many years which was amazing and I loved seeing all of the happy smiling children in the schools who are excited to learn! The Sri Lanka team of Diana, Pooja and Chitra are lovely women who enjoy what they do and love being able to make a difference to so many children's lives!

Erinn and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country! I am so glad that I finally have now visited for myself!

Katie Holroyd
Volunteer Feedback
June 2017

Over our time spent with Ocean Stars we were able to visit many different pre schools. All of the schools were filled with children who were eager to learn and the most incredible and motivated teachers. It was clear to us that the opportunities provided by these preschools are invaluable to not only the children but to the mothers who get some valuable time to work on things while childcare is organised. We had an amazing time singing songs, playing games and getting to know the children, it was so lovely to see their smiling faces and giggles (especially when there were bubbles and balloons!!).

Thank you so much

Erinn Prentice

Erinn Prentice
Volunteer Feedback
June 2017

Early in May 2005 five people met at Terminal 1, Heathrow
Airport.

They were bound for Sri Lanka. Most had never met before, but Keith, Angela, Keith and Christine all had links with the team leader David, Sri Lankan-born Methodist minister who lost 11 members of his family in the tsunami that struck the east coast of Sri Lanka on Boxing Day 2004.

The purpose of their journey was to encourage those involved
in the rehabilitation process, give immediate support to those
people and projects where it was appropriate, gather information to promote further support and share with David in his own personal pilgrimage of bereavement.

It was to be a journey in which they would share both in the
sorrow and smiles of Sri Lanka.

Now Keith & Chris are returning to Sri Lanka with Ocean Stars
Trust, a charity set up in the aftermath of the tsunami to help
rebuild shattered lives, to work with their partners on the ground
in their sponsored projects in nurseries and schools.

This is an opportunity to hear their story and support Ocean Stars Trust

Saturday 9th September, 7pm
Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding

Free Admission.
Donations to Ocean Stars Trust
For more information: www.oceanstars.org.uk

Further information about the event contact Keith & Chris
on 01945 700927 or email: revrowbottom@gmail.com

This October I am going to Sri Lanka as part of the Ocean Stars volunteer team and as a fundraiser I decided to do a walk...

On Saturday 22nd July I set off from Windsor Castle on a walk along the river Thames towards central London with my final destination being Buckingham Palace.  

The first half of the day was very enjoyable as I walked 22 miles passing through picturesque regions of old Windsor and runneymede reaching Hampton Court Palace at 1pm.

Unfortunately in the afternoon the heavens opened and my waterproof jacket was put to good use. I found the 12 mile stretch between Teddington and Putney particularly difficult as the paths were littered with puddles as the rained poured and poured!

Nonetheless I reached Putney where I was greeted by my sister Amali who brought along water, sugary snacks and some much needed encouragement to keep me going.

Thankfully I found some much needed energy and strength and ploughed onto Battersea bridge where I was greeted by the rest of my family and OST trustee Jen.

Just 2 miles to go!

As we neared the finish the clouds cleared and the sun broke through. Passing through Chelsea and Victoria station, Buckingham palace still seemed ages away.

And then 14 hours 32 minutes 6 seconds and 42.64 miles later we arrived at Buckingham Palace where I touched the famous front gates to officially end the walk. What relief!

It was a truly gruelling experience but ultimately worth the effort. Having volunteered in Sri Lanka before for OST, I know how important their work is for granting access to education for young people in Sri Lanka.

I would like to thank everyone who donated and encouraged me along way. To my friend Jonny, fellow volunteers James, Jen, Chris and Aidan for walking with me en route and to my family for their support in the final stage.

October will come along very soon and I can't wait to go back to Sri Lanka and work with fellow volunteers on OST's various educational projects.

You can still donate via: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danwalksroyal

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