A WORCESTERSHIRE woman who has dedicated much of her life to helping destitute children in El Salvador is preparing to make her final trip out there.

Bron Soan, aged 74, of Charlton, near Evesham, set up the Aid for Children in El Salvador charity after seeing the effects of the country’s civil war on the children who were left behind.

This trip on November 16, her 24th in total, will likely be her last and she said she was looking forward to working with the homeless and orphaned youngsters who without her would have been left to fend for themselves.

She said: “It has taken me almost two years to save for the fare because all the money we raise goes to the children, and always has. Our idea is to prevent them from ending up on the streets and being abused. We have raised enough money for a refuge for 12 girls.

“This could be my last trip because I’ll be 75 when I go. I’m really looking forward to it and I plan to take them on a trip to the sea.

“These children have never had anything, and despite only being an hour from the coast they have never seen the sea before.”

Ms Soan has received local support through the Holy Redeemer Church in Pershore where £350 was raised recently with a coffee morning, while a table-top sale is also being organised for October 31. The local Quaker group has been very supportive as well.

Ms Soan added: “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, and we will be holding a charity Christmas fair at Fladbury Village Hall on November 7, where we hope to see as many people as possible.”

For more information on the charity, or to make a donation, visit childrenofelsalvador.co.uk.