Hilperton woman Laura Quintrell has helped a 12-year-old Romanian boy live his dream of becoming a professional footballer, after sponsoring him through Trowbridge charity People against Poverty.

Ms Quintrell, who works as a sales office supervisor at Trowbridge-based Blue Max Banner, recently returned from a trip to Romania to meet her sponsor child Fernando for the first time.

The 33-year-old’s sponsorship has enabled Fernando to receive an education, covering the cost of his school books and stationery, as well as ensuring there is a meal on the table every day for his family.

Ms Quintrell and fiance Adam started to sponsor Fernando earlier this year. They were only able to communicate through letters, but the trip to the Romanian city of Iasi brought the two together for the first time.

She said: “We lead an incredibly privileged life here in the UK. Having undertaken this trip to the Iasi area, I was just amazed to see how just a small donation is making such a world of difference to Fernando and his family.

“We visited lots of projects that People against Poverty work with out there, including an old people’s home and a kids’ club. It really put everything in perspective.

“The things we moan about are insignificant compared to the problems they face. It was lovely to meet Fernando and to play football with him.”

After discovering that Fernando dreams of being a footballer, Ms Quintrell took a full football strip for him, donated by Blue Max Banner, and clothes for the local community.

People against Poverty aims to relieve poverty. While it concentrates on supporting children and young people, it also works towards building effective communities, both in the UK and abroad.

Val Huxley, chief executive officer of People against Poverty, said: “We are delighted that Laura was able to join us on our awareness trip and appreciate Blue Max Banner’s support.”

For more, see www.peopleagainstpoverty.com