Former Wigan student supports pandemic aid efforts in India

A globetrotting former Wigan student is aiming to make a difference for people living in slums during the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

While many people living, working or travelling overseas decided to return home due to the outbreak, Henry Johnston instead set off for India.

The 29-year-old arrived in Rishikesh, in the north of the country, just a day before a ban on travelling and got to work helping to provide food for people living in slums.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His mum Cathy said: “He has travelled the globe on his own. He lived in Australia where he studied for a masters in macro economics for a while, he did a degree in London, but nothing ever really resonated with him. Like a lot of young people, they are disenfranchised with the society we live in.

Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemicFormer Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic
Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic

“India was a calling for him. He kept going backwards and forwards. After teaching people how to snowboard in Switzerland, he saved up some money and went back to India. I think he moved there the day before people were told to stop travelling.

“He happened upon this situation when he was in Riskikesh, which is a very sacred place with lots of temples. When the lockdown occurred, he wanted to stay to help others.”

Henry, who attended Winstanley College, decided to set up an urgent essential supply charity to help thousands of people living in slums, who were struggling to feed their families as they cannot work during the lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has organised a team of volunteers who are distributing food for people in need.

Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemicFormer Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic
Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic

Mrs Johnston said: “I’m very proud of him. He’s found a cause that he is passionate about. Every mum wants that for their chid.”

To help pay for the food that is needed, Henry has set up an online appeal and hopes people across the borough will donate.

He said: “With your help we can reach many of these people in Rishikesh who are struggling. All the donations will be used to directly distribute food packages all over the city. No middle men, no messing around, straight to the bellies of the people.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To make a donation, go to www.gofundme.com/f/slum-dwellers-who-caresA message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemicFormer Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic
Former Winstanley College student Henry Johnston is distributing food to people living in slums in India during the coronavirus pandemic

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.

Related topics: