My Wiltshire Life - Henry Leigh

9:12am Thursday 17th May 2007

HENRY Leigh, 65, runs the Westbury-based charity Belarussian Ray of Hope, set up three years ago to help youngsters affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Before launching his own charity, he was involved with Chernobyl Children Lifeline. Born and brought up in Northumberland, he moved to Wiltshire in the early 1980s and now lives in Westbury. Mr Leigh married his wife Anne 47 years ago, and the couple have five children, eight grandchildren and a great-grandaughter.

How would your best friend describe you?

When I think about that question I can imagine exactly what my friend would say. I think it would have to be loud-mouthed, never stuck for an answer, and trying to do too much.

Where would you recommend for a great evening out and why?

I'm not a drinker but I do like food. It's for a day out rather than an evening out but Hope Nature Centre, which is for disabled adults, in Southwick Country Park, has an eating-place called Squirrels and I would recommend it.

The food is homemade and very good.

What do you do for fun?

I'm really enjoying trying to improve my computer skills at the moment and I go to the cyber café in Trowbridge for disabled people, and that is helping me tremendously.

I also enjoy painting with water colours.

Describe your most vivid dream.

I can honestly say I don't seem to have dreams, or if I do I don't remember them.

Who in the public eye do you most respect and why?

Although he is no longer around, Leonard Cheshire was a fantastic man, and the homes he set up for disabled people are absolutely excellent and do exactly what he said they would do.

He was decorated in the Second World War, and was also someone I crossed paths with briefly.

What is your biggest regret?

Not setting up an independent charity earlier.

We are very small and work with other charities, but we do things in Belarus that we could not do originally.

Having an independent charity means our hands are not tied, and if someone in Belarus brings something to our attention it means we are more able to help.

What is your favourite film or TV show and why?

I've seen very few films, but as for television shows I would think it has to be Fawlty Towers simply because I just find it hilarious.

What makes you sad?

We were in Belarus visiting the family of a child who is very close to us, and the mum and dad asked if we would join them two days later because they had to take their child to the cancer hospital.

Going with them to the hospital was just horrendous and the saddest day of my life. I get upset still just thinking about it.

Describe your perfect day.

I'd get up in the morning and have a chat to our friend in Belarus, do a little work on the computer and go out for lunch with the boss (that's the wife!).

I'd also have a very large ice cream, and if there was enough time a walk along the sea side followed by fish and chips.