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Outlook

Factual: Life Stories

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

Outlook: Working For Our Lost Sons

Albina-and-Jo.jpg

30/04/2013

Working For Our Lost Sons

BBC World Service - Outlook, Working For Our Lost Sons

How two mothers, inspired by grief, dedicated their lives to  eradicating Malaria and HIV

Two mothers, Albina du Boisrouvray and Joanne Yirrell, both lost a son in tragic circumstances. But their loss inspired them to dedicate their lives to helping others.

Joanne Yirrell is a teacher from Bedfordshire in the south of England. Her son Harry died of malaria eight years ago, after a trip to work as a volunteer in Ghana. Joanne now works to eradicate malaria - her story being the real-life inspiration behind the film Mary and Martha, starring Hollywood actress Hilary Swank. Albina du Boisrouvray was working as a journalist and film producer when her son Francois-Xavier Bagnoud died in a helicopter crash in 1986. She comes from a wealthy background and decided to auction off a large chunk of her assets. With the money she raised she started FXB International, a charity that today is active in many countries around the world, particularly working to help children affected by AIDS/HIV.

Also Lieutenant Commander Abhilash Tomy tells us about the 150 day voyage which made him the first Indian to sail solo and non-stop around the world.

And Omara "Bombino" Moctar, the Touareg guitarist who's updated his people's tradition of protest music.

Picture: Albina du Boisrouvray (left and Joanne Yirrell (right
Picture Credit: Arthur Edwards (for Joanne Yirrell picture)

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