A MERCY trip to Zimbabwe saw Abergavenny couple, David and Martha Holman take more than 400 kgs of medical equipment donated by the people of South Wales. Reporter Hannah Mlatem spoke to David as soon as he landed on Abergavenny soil.

THE dedicated couple from Love Zimbabwe Fair Trade Organisation have just returned from their six week trip.

The idea of an emergency mercy project came to David at the beginning of December last year. He said, " We knew the situation in Zimbabwe was terrible due to extreme poverty and the escalating cholera epidemic. I thought it would be fantastic to collect medical supplies to take with us."

Within four weeks he and his wife had gathered a huge amount of essential goods given by individuals from Abergavenny, Newport and Pont.

"All of these supplies made it to the village of Dombashawa in Zimbabwe, which is where we have chosen to work. Martha and I made sure that all the medicines were given directly to individuals and local clinics absolutely free.

"Normally if any medicines are sent through Save The Children, Oxfam or any other charity, the government confiscate the goods and then release what they think is appropriate.

"We had to battle with customs officials at the border and had constant problems with police roadblocks where they wanted to take some of the medicines. But we didn't give up," said David.

The success of this venture was such that the couple would like to return to Zimbabwe before the summer to take more supplies.

The people there are desperate and have virtually no medication whatsoever.

A packet of 16 paracetamol costs $5 and the average wage is about $4 dollars per month.

"The biggest problem is with HIV. The official figures only represent the tip of the iceberg. Obviously nobody can afford to buy anti retro virals. "The government have a basic programme but they are not taking any new cases on at the moment," said David.

The couple need any medicines that may by stored at home not being used. This extends to plasters, paracetamol, bandages, oral rehydration powders, medical kits, wind up torches, toothpaste/toothbrushes, teatree oil, antiseptics, dettol, syringes, cotton wool, sanitary towels, and any other basic medical equipment.

While the couple were in the village they managed to drill a borehole which will provide fresh water for more than 500 local people. It is located next to the clinic where prior to a gift of wind up torches the nurses had to deliver children by candlelight and had no access to fresh water.

Unfortunately due to the massive inflation figures, the cost of the borehole had more than doubled to $6,700. The couple collected $3,000 from events such as the World Trade Fair in Abergavenny in 2007 and 2008. They had to pay the balance with money borrowed from Fairtrade Hull which will have to be repaid.

David and Martha said they were overwhelmed with the response last year and wish to continue their essential work in Zimbabwe.

Martha said, "This is the worst situation I have ever seen in my country. People are dying from starvation, cholera, Aids and many other related diseases. You can be sure that anything sent to Love Zimbabwe will be given directly to an individual who needs it. Water and medicines are basic human requirements. Thank you so much for helping my people."

David and Martha will be giving two talks locally during Fairtrade Fortnight. They will also be showing videos of their work and selling their arts and crafts on Monday, February 23 at the British Legion, New Market St, Usk at 7.30pm. Contact Ruth Prince on [email protected]">[email protected]. Tuesday, February 24 at the Methodist Hall, Abergavenny at 2pm. Contact Katrina Gass on [email protected]">[email protected] and Thursday, March 5 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Baker St, Abergavenny, at 7.30pm. Book now for a workshop/talk during Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 from Martha and David Holman - Love Zimbabwe.

If you wish to help in any way, please contact David or Martha on 0777 460 8215 / 0787 9400 897 / 01873 856574, or email - [email protected]">[email protected]