A CHARITY set up in the memory of an Essex medical student who died in Africa has received a surprise boost from a trio of schoolboys.

Elliot Furniss

A CHARITY set up in the memory of an Essex medical student who died in Africa has received a surprise boost from a trio of schoolboys.

Roger and Linda Bullen run the Catherine Bullen Memorial Fund - in memory of their daughter who died from a virulent strain of gastroenteritis while on safari in Namibia in 2002 - and said they were pleased to receive the “unexpected” donation of £180 from the boys.

Six-year-old Alfie Musselwhite, his brother John, eight, and their friend Ryan Coulson, also eight, found out about the fund through their mother Sue Musselwhite, who works at Colchester General Hospital alongside Mrs Bullen.

The boys, who all attend Hintlesham Primary School, near Ipswich recently celebrated their birthdays at a combined party and, rather than ask for presents, they asked for donations to the fund.

Mrs Musselwhite said: “(Spending money on presents) is such a waste when you can be putting it towards children in Africa - it goes a long way with them in somewhere like Namibia.”

Mr Bullen said the money would go towards the purchase of a 4x4 ambulance to be based at the Omuhaturua Catherine Bullen Health Centre currently being built in the village of Otjimanangombe in eastern Namibia.

Mr Bullen said: “It was a marvellous gesture from the boys in thinking of children less fortunate than themselves who will make use of the ambulance which will cost £26,000.”

Donations to the fund can be made by post to Barclays Bank, Yorick Road, West Mersea CO5 8HX or online at www.namibia-aid.org.uk.