MIKE Ritson, a retired Holsworthy Community College teacher, gave a lunchtime talk to Holsworthy Rotary Club about his experiences when visiting Nepal in 2015.

He was in a small isolated rural village when a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, just northwest of the capital of Kathmandu. It was the worst quake to strike the region in more than 80 years.

The village was ruined with houses, school and monastery flattened. The villagers showed great compassion and generosity towards Mike and his fellow travellers and strength of character in coming to terms with this catastrophe.

Mike was so moved by their fortitude and community spirit that he has been raising funds to support the Juniper Trust charity, which is rebuilding schools and community buildings to replace those lost in the earthquake

The damage done by the quake put a strain on its citizens that will last for many years.

Following his talk, Mike was invited to speak at a cream tea organised by Rotarians Phil Sluggett and Richard Tappin to help Mike with his fund raising. The event raised over £600 and the club agreed to round this up to £1,000.

The cheque was presented to Mike Ritson by club president Cliff Vickery with Phil and Richard representing the International Committee.