A WOMAN who supported a young Nepalese boy has organised a fundraiser to help other children .

Stephanie Hair has organised the Sea Shanty Fundraiser for Nepal, which will raise money for youngsters affected by last year's devastating earthquake.

Ms Hair, 56, began her quest for the many destitute children in the country after answering a Facebook appeal by a Buddhist monk, known as Lama DM, for financial support for a boy called Nima Sherpa.

She said: "He was looking after his two young brothers on the banks of a river. They were in a terrible state. His mother had gone away to earn money for her family so they were in a really bad situation yet he had do so well at a monastic school. Lama DM saw his results which were fantastic and put a message on Facebook asking form money to support him and I replied. That was three years ago and he is 18 now."

Lama DM runs a shelter for 16 children from a small village in the Sindhupalchok district, whose homes and school were completely destroyed.

They have formed an organisation called the Drupngi Khading Foundation to feed, clothe and educate children- but they need more suitable living space.

At the moment the youngsters live on the second floor of a block of flats in Katmandu and have nowhere to play.

Ms Hair, of Uttons Avenue, Leigh, said: "I went to visit Nepal for three weeks in February and met Lama DM and Nima Sherpa and his family. Lama DM showed me round on he back of his bike. The monks and volunteers look after 16 children. The place is spotless and they take them to school and look after them.

"Some of the children are orphans, for others one or both their parents are still alive but are involved in rebuilding their village.

"They need our help providing more suitable living space. I love sea shanties so when I thought we could do a fundraising night."

The Sea Shanty Fundraiser for Nepal takes place on Friday, July 1 at 7.30pm at the Fisherman's Chapel, in New Road, Leigh.

The line-up includes music from the Hoy Shanty Crew supported by The Baxter Brothers, Tony Prior, Kate Waterfield and Lost as Sea.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by emailing stephhair@phonecoop.coop or calling 07443630007.