Camillian Centre, Rayong

Thom and Mon story is typical of children in the care of Fr Giovanni and his extraordinary team. They are brothers, age 5 & 6. Their father died recently - he had AIDS. Their mother, who is HIV+, distraught at the loss of her husband was involved in an accident in which she was injured and Thom and Mon's baby sister was killed. The two boys are themselves HIV+.

If this sounds gloomy - and you may be forgiven for thinking it is not the most cheerful of introductions - be prepared for a shock. This is the Camillian Centre where all things probable and improbable are possible. Not least happy, healthy children enjoying a supportive and loving home and all that brings in terms of a healthy diet (Fr Giovanni is Italian, obviously); the effortless support of his boundless faith; and their new, large but caring family.

It was an extra pleasure for us to see our special child here, Oon; not so much a child now as a delightful young woman, who is healthy, happy and successful in her education. I noticed for the first time how she is functional 'big sister' to her many brothers and sisters, remembering how each of them looked when they arrived in the family.

It was an unexpected joy to see Georgina and Paddy Phelan, so much a part of the Centre for so long and happily visiting - dare we tell the truth and say escaping the Canadian winter!