A GP has abandoned his plans for a cosy family Christmas at home to make his latest mercy mission to one of the poorest countries in the world.

Dr Abdul Gbla is returning to his homeland of Sierra Leone to oversee two shipments of humanitarian aid from residents and organisations in Tendring.

He will also visit his birthplace, where people's quality of life is being dramatically improved by a development programme backed by the district.

Dr Gbla founded and heads Sierra Leone Development and Relief Aid.

It is expanding the size of a school in his hometown so that it can cater for the needs of several villages.

A river bridge has also been built to improve access and a well sunk to provide clean water.

Dr Gbla, who is a partner at the North Road practice in Great Clacton, said this had only been possible with the fundraising efforts of residents in Tendring.

"These schemes owe much to the generosity of Rotarians and two of my local schools," he said.

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Published Wednesday, December 7, 2005

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