DESPITE having to undergo a recent bone marrow transplant, Lochgelly man Ross Stirling has pledged to raise further funds for terminally ill children in India and he is determined to not let his own ill health stand in his way.

Having visited the children’s hospice back in April this year, Ross, who lives in Lochgelly, and fellow lecturer at Fife College, Fiona McLeod, from Kirkcaldy, travelled to the slums of Kolkata to help improve the lives of children who have been either abandoned or orphaned and suffer from HIV and Aids.

During their previous visit, Ross and Fiona, were able to donate £10,000 in fundraising for the construction of the new girl’s dormitory as well as pay for much needed internal and external LED lighting.

This money was raised by students from Fife College and kind donations from staff, family, friends and members of the Scottish Episcopal Church, as Ross is a member of St Finnian’s Church in the town.

Upon their return, Ross continued fundraising and was due to visit the children again in October earlier this year but had to cancel his trip due to poor health. Ross recently underwent a bone marrow transplant for a return of lymphoma type cancer but this has not deterred him continuing fundraising efforts.

Ross said: “It’s important to me not to forget what I experienced in Kolkata and how much I have come to love this amazing group of children.

“Now that this relationship has been built, it’s essential to continue our partnership. It’s not all about money, letting the children know how much they are loved even from afar is equally important.”

A total of £14,000 is now required for several important projects including a much needed new roofing structure, as the current roof leaks badly especially during monsoon season.

Ross said: “I’m hoping there are community groups out there in Fife who could help in any way possible to fundraise. No matter how small an amount raised, every penny counts and goes a long way to making a life changing differences in a third world city like Kolkata.”

So can you help or would you like to find out more? Contact Ross via email at

rossstirling81@hotmail.co.uk See also Page 15.