AN Isleham woman who was inspired to raise money for a Romanian hospital after a skiing holiday 12 years ago is running a water-colour workshop next month. While on holiday in the central Romanian resort of Sinaia, in 1994, Liz Howe learnt from her skiing

AN Isleham woman who was inspired to raise money for a Romanian hospital after a skiing holiday 12 years ago is running a water-colour workshop next month.

While on holiday in the central Romanian resort of Sinaia, in 1994, Liz Howe learnt from her skiing instructor about the struggles of a hospital in the north Romanian city of Zalau. Then, after visiting the hospital herself, and meeting with a doctor, she decided to raise money to help.

Ms Howe said: "The doctor would just tell me what was needed and I would raise the money to pay for it through the painting classes and selling things on craft stalls."

Ms Howe visits the hospital for one week every year, and she will travel there in November.

She said: "When I visit the hospital I take my art materials with me and spend time drawing and painting with the children. Last year's trip was wonderful; I saw that the children's ward had been fitted with proper flooring and curtains, where there was nothing before, and this had all been paid for with the money that I had raised."

This will be the sixth water-colour workshop that Ms Howe has run, and she usually raises around £1,000 from them. The money now goes to a Girton- based charity called Medical Support in Romania. The charity sends a group of specialists to the same Zalau hospital twice a year and they make assessments of the areas that need help and support in conjunction with the wishes and needs of the hospital staff.

During the past 10 years many projects have been completed in various departments including emergency, x-ray, ophthalmology, maternity, stores and the laundry. The charity works towards projects that are sustainable, for the long-term benefit of the hospital and its patients.

Ms Howe is now looking for people to sign up for the class, which is being taken by professional tutor, Jane Barribal.

Ms Howe said: "The course will be tailored to suit everyone, with plenty of time for individual help. It will be a light-hearted weekend focusing on learning the fun way.

"Every penny that we receive goes towards the charity and people have a great time and receive professional tuition, so everyone wins."

INFO: The course will run on September 9 and 10, from 10.30am-4.30pm, at Selwyn College, Cambridge, CB3 9DQ. The cost is £60 and this will include tea or coffee and biscuits. To book a place contact Liz Howe on 01638 781225.