KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK
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Its almost 10 years since the world witnessed the bloody Romanian revolution. Yet the plight of the people living in a country held for so long in the grip of a ruthless dictator has not been forgotten by those working in the transport industry.
The Archway to Romania Humanitarian Aid Group will be making its 18th trip to the country next April. Over the years, as the donations have grown, so have the vehicles—from vans to a 44-tonne artic which, driven by two volunteers, made the trip this April. When the charity was let down at the last moment two companies stepped into the breach: MAN Trucks at Larlcfield loaned a 18.403 Roadhouse and Continental Cargo Carriers of Purfleet completed the picture with a 13.6m tilt trailer.
The Royal Air Force at Manston also played its part, allowing the aid group to use its buildings for storage.
The Archway group co-ordinator, Doreen Tamplin, says that what really makes it all worthwhile is to see the smiles on the children's faces when they get there.
Citroen is another company that has rallied round to save the day. Lee Arthur, co-ordinator of Ipswich Appeal for Romania, was in desperate need of a vehicle to transport medical equipment to Brasov in central Romania. The company supplied a Citroen Relay 1800 which was used to transport a delicate ultrasound breast scanner unit, donated by Suffolk Health Authority, to a hospital in Brasov. The van also carried clothing and other equipment to an orphanage in Codlea. It was accompanied by an artic carrying hospital beds, equipment and medical supplies.