A GROUP of volunteers in Northern Ireland are driving a minibus full of goods to Romania and donating it to Bolton-based charity Good News for Romania.

Kath and David Richardson, who run the charity Good News for Romania, visited the group in County Down to meet the volunteers and share their local expertise of the country.

The couple were contacted by a group in Northern Ireland who take on crazy charity challenges every year and decided to help needy Romanians this year.

The group are trying to raise £5,000 to purchase a minibus that they will drive to Barlad in Romania and donate to the charity in early October.

The city of Barlad lies on the east of Romania, near the border with Moldova, and is one of the poorest areas in the country according to the fundraisers.

The minibus will be filled with clothing, educational and health items to be delivered to the those who need it in Romania.

The group will then leave the minibus with the charity to use it for trips, appointments and going on camp.

So far the group has raised over £3,600 and all proceeds will go directly to the cause as the group will be covering their own expenses and flights back home.

Kath and David met the group at the foot of Slieve Donard mountain in Northern Ireland after the climbed 850 metres in 26 degree heat to raise funds for the minibus.

The Boltonian couple have been travelling to Romania regularly since 1990 after learning about the extreme poverty in the country.

Inspired by their Christian values, the couple set up a charity that sends food, clothing, toys and medical equipment to impoverished people.

Although there have been some improvements to life in Romania, the country has one of the highest income inequality ratios in the EU.

Kath said: “The gap is getting bigger and bigger.”

In 1997, the Kath and David adopted Madalina (Madi), a six-year-old Romanian girl who they brought to Bolton for an operation.

Madi now works as a graphic designer in London.

The couple have also supported seven young people going to university by helping them with their living expenses through the charity.

Every year, Good News for Romania provides funds for children from poor families to have a week’s camping holiday in the mountains of Romania.

The charity also provide medical expenses for those who needs treatment or medication and can’t afford it.

Kath explained that some people can barely afford to feed themselves, let alone think about education and healthcare.

She said: “If you choose between food and taking them to school, you’re going to feed them.”

The Bolton couple have said they will fly out to Romania to meet the group once they reach their target.