PARTH Joshi, the young Indian boy pulled from the rubble of an earthquake which devastated his home town of Bhuj in India three years ago, returned to Britain last week to continue his treatment.
Parth was rescued by Okehampton-based rescue team RAPID-UK from his collapsed home after being buried for 92 hours.
He will celebrate his 14th birthday during his stay in Britain, as well as receiving treatment for his injuries. RAPID-UK has raised money for him to receive medical treatment and prosthetics at Oxfordshire-based OrthoEurope.
Parth will spend the next few days at Abingdon for his treatment, and once the hospital release him he will spend the remainder of his month in this country with RAPID-UK members.
There are plans for a big birthday celebration. Last year Parth spent a memorable birthday at Roadford Lake, with the boat section of RAPID-UK, where a birthday tea was laid on and he was taken out in the team?s fast rescue boats.
RAPID-UK operates both abroad and in the UK in the search and rescue of casualties following major disasters. It is also involved in international project work in the training and development of local disaster management teams in areas vulnerable to large-scale natural disasters. New disaster management projects are being set-up in Columbia, Pakistan and India.
Using specialist training, skills and expertise, RAPID-UK volunteer teams have to date attended earthquakes, floods and hurricanes in more than 24 countries around the world ? including last year?s devastating earthquakes in Algeria and Iran.
RAPID-UK is supported 100% by donations from the public and all its members are volunteers. Donations can be sent to the Head Office at Beech Lodge, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 3RG, tel/fax: 01837 851443.