A WOMAN who saved a Chinese baby from 'the dying rooms' has set up a charity to ensure a better future for those left behind.

Preston mother Jacqui Shurr and her husband Jeff spent two years wading through red tape before they could adopt their little China girl.

Finally last November they collected eight-month-old Abigail Yan Le from the orphanage in Urumqi in the far north west of the country.

"We were privileged to visit Abigail's orphanage," said Jacqui who took a big suitcase of toys, baby clothes and provisions.

"It was nothing like we'd expected. It was a very good facility, but no institution is a substitute for having a family."

She said they received a great reception from the locals: "They were extremely friendly and very positive about us having a Chinese baby."

The Shurrs spent 10 days in the Orient before returning to their Penwortham home where sons three-year-old David and Jonathon, five, were waiting.

And now Abigail Yan Le has settled in and even babbled her first words 'Da da', her mother wants to help other orphans.

Jacqui has launched the charity Good Rock, named after Abigail who was born on Good Friday and her Chinese name Yan which means rock. She said: "The orphanage is setting up a school for the older children who are less likely to be adopted, and we'll help them with resources. Some of the children also have special needs and disabilities, both mental and physical."

Despite the waiting Jacqui claims adopting a Chinese baby was worth while: "I would encourage others to do the same, even though it's expensive because of the legal fees and the cost of the trip.

"But it would meaningless to put a figure on Abigail. She's priceless."

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