Arthur McCluskey was a broken man when he reluctantly went to Medjugorje. There he was totally healed from a gambling addiction that saw his life in tatters. In thanksgiving for the new peace, joy and prayer in his life, Arthur wanted to help the people of Bosnia Herzegovina who struggled with the after-effects of war.

Arthur’s charity has two aims – to relieve poverty and advance education.

When we heard Ivanka’s sad story, we wanted to help. She lives in one room which her brother built for her alongside the ruined old family stone house. The room has no proper roof or insulation. All the walls are mouldy causing an unbearable stench.

Ivanka has no water or bathroom. In spite of such deprivation, she seems content and accepting of her simple life. She worked for 20 years and receives a monthly pension of about €180.

Fifteen years ago, Ivanka was diagnosed with abdominal cancer but is doing well after surgery. The roof needs to be insulated, the window and entrance door replaced. The interior needs renovation and refurnishing. We offered to build a bathroom but Ivanka would not accept that gift.

For her, the greatest help would be to get water in her room. If you would like to help us with raising €4,200 for this work, we would be hugely appreciative. Thank you for reading Ivanka’s story.

If you would like to help, please make a donation on our website www.arthurmc.com in € or £. Alternatively, send a euro cheque to Donal O’Shea, 5 Glen Drive, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, D18 X3V8 or a sterling cheque to Mrs Pat Henry, 12 Cangels Close, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 1NJ, UK. Please make cheques payable to Arthur McCluskey Foundation. If you would like to help on a regular basis, please download a standing order form.

Ivanka‘s little room

The walls are mouldly leaving an unbearable stench.

We visited this project in October 2018.  The builders were busy digging a trench in order to connect water from the main road.  A new kitchen, with running water, has been installed. The flat roof and walls have been insulated.  A new window, door and new floor have been fitted. Ivanka does not have to carry buckets of water any more – she is a very happy lady in her new bed and new home!