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Help the 'Fish and Chips' babies


By Sarah Rollo

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BABIES sent home from hospital wrapped in newspaper for warmth will benefit from lovingly-crafted clothes, thanks to a group of Moray residents.

Lorraine Smith and Linda Kay (front left and right), of ‘The Northern Scot’, make sure these teddy bears are given a loving home by presenting them to members of the Moray West Presbyterial Council of the Church of Scotland Guild for onward transportation
Lorraine Smith and Linda Kay (front left and right), of ‘The Northern Scot’, make sure these teddy bears are given a loving home by presenting them to members of the Moray West Presbyterial Council of the Church of Scotland Guild for onward transportation

Members of the Moray West Presbyterial Council of the Church of Scotland Guild and their friends have been busy knitting tiny clothes and hats for Malawi’s so-called ‘Fish and Chips Babies’.

Their efforts will see the newborns’ first moments in the world filled with comfort and warmth.

“We were told that some of the babies were going home wrapped in newspapers because they have no clothes, that is why they get that name,” said member June Machray, of Forres. “Everyone thought that was awful, so the Guild decided it was something we wanted to help with.”

This week, ‘The Northern Scot’ teamed up with the group to ensure teddies can also be given to some of the children living in one of the world’s least developed countries.

Thanks to the Moray public, this year’s ‘Scot’ Christmas Toy Appeal saw an overwhelming outpouring of generosity, with hundreds of presents donated for the area’s youngsters.

Editor Mike Collins said: “The appeal was one of the best yet, once again demonstrating the depth of kindness ever-present in the Moray area.

“The response meant that every child, young person and elderly resident referred for a present received not just one but a number of gifts, bringing cheer to the area’s vulnerable people at Christmas.

“By the end, we still had some toys left over so when we heard about the Guild’s work in Malawi, we decided to spread the generosity to people in a country where more than half the population lives below the poverty line. ‘Scot’ readers should be proud of their generosity and support making real difference both at home and abroad.”

It is not just toys and clothes that are needed in Malawi, where life expectancy is low and infant mortality high.

Convenor Janet Benson said: “The Church of Scotland has a long history of involvement in Malawi. For many years, Moray West Presbytery Council has organised a collection of items which are packed in boxes and transported to Malawi via The Raven Trust – a charity based in Strachur.


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