John Shelly Bursary 2005

The 2005 recipient was Sr. Ethel Normoyle, Missionvale Care Centre, Port Elizabeth, South Africa who was nominated by Shane Keane, Western Branch, EHOA.

Sr. Ethel Normoyle from Lissycasey, Co. Clare has lived with the people of Missionvale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa since 1988. Her first months in Missionvale found her working from under the shelter of a tree administering basic health care, providing classes to children, listening to mothers and being there for those who chose to come to her in need of comfort and support.

Her outstanding work and achievements have won her recognition worldwide, from receiving an International Rotary Club Award to being chosen as Woman of the Year to personal visits to view her work by Mother Theresa and Queen Elizabeth.

The demands for health care and welfare far outweigh the resources available at the existing health centre in Missionvale. Her current project is to build a new health centre to help meet those ever increasing needs. Part of this is to include a new nutrition unit to help feed the 125,000 people that rely entirely on Missionvale for food. They do not have any other food source or means to provide food.

The presentation of the John Shelley Bursary was made on the first of December in Dublin and was accepted by Mrs Frances Keane, a life long friend of Sr. Ethel. A personal message of thanks from Sr. Ethel was read out and a video of her work was shown. A plaque to commemorate the John Shelly Bursary was also presented, which will be displayed in the new nutritional unit in Port Elizabeth.

Anyone interested in finding out more about this project can contact Sr. Ethel at Missionvale Care Centre, PO Box 11053, Aloga Park, Port Elizabeth, 6005, South Africa.

Find out more about the John Shelly Bursary here...