February 26, 2001 11:44: A COUPLE who stumbled across an orphanage while on holiday in Egypt, are appealing to Midweek readers to donate a wheelchair for one of the home's disabled residents.

Phillip Bratherton and his wife Brenda, 54, from Great Kingshill, need the wheelchair for an un-named disabled boy at the Sunshine Project, in Luxor.

The couple have already raised more than £5,000 for other children at the orphanage and hope the little boy can also be helped when they return to Luxor on April 9.

Mrs Bratherton said: "We would be simply over the moon if someone could give us a wheelchair to take over.

"They are very expensive and difficult to come by over there (Luxor) and the difference it will make to one boy's quality of life is beyond words."

Sunshine Project was set up six years ago by Pearl Smith, a florist from Coventry who, like the Brathertons, was on holiday in the popular Egyptian city.

She was so affected by the plight of the abandoned children who roamed the streets that she sold her house and floristry business and dedicated her life to looking after them.

Mama Pearl, as she is fondly called by the children in her care, now looks after 23 children and depends on people like the Brathertons to raise awareness of the daily battles she faces as legal guardian of so many children.

Mr and Mrs Bratherton have built up a strong friendship with Pearl and now devote most of their spare time to plotting new fundraising ideas and writing letters to the children.

Mrs Bratherton said: "The kids have touched us so much we plan to go over and help any holiday time we get."

If yon can donate a wheelchair or money, call the Brathertons on (01494) 719817

By.Michelle Fleming