A tiny baby, find abandoned by the roadside, is being welcomed with great joy into the loving home and family that is our Happy House. She was born on March 9, when she was found left by the road on a junction leading to Malindi Marine Park. We know nothing about the curcumstances of her birth but we do know that a mother must be under great stress, or duress, to abandon her baby. Premature, weighing just 1.4kg, the newborn was taken to Malindi Hospital’s newborn unit for specialist care. Fit for discharge, she came into our care on June 16 after we were contacted by the Children’s Department and asked to keep her for care and protection. The family gathered to welcome her and to choose a name for their new sister. They chose Brenda, at the suggestion of Papa Dave, as she came home on the birthday of one of our oldest and much-loved friends and supporters, Brenda Groves. Brenda and her husband, Red, from Wantage met our founder Sue Hayward and her husband years ago when Sue’s work was concentrated on improving and developing a local school. They were hugely supportive then and, since the Happy House opened in 2010, have become our Auntie Brenda and Uncle Red. They travel out, frequently and often with other family members. Their granddaughter, Chloe, is a charity trustee and our treasurer. Auntie Elina, our social worker, says: “Baby Brenda is doing fine and she’s also brave and cute. “All the kids love her. “I know she will grow to be bright and charming like all the Happy House kids.” As a foundling, Brenda will take the surname Hayward just like our Papa Dave and his inspirational late founder, Mama Sue. If you would like to sponsor Brenda and give her a secure future with love, family, education and opportunity it costs £20 a month. Please email our UK coordinator, Elizabeth Gomm, elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net
