Sponsoring a child in poverty is a noble commitment but one Enfield resident has gone a step further by visiting the child she sponsors in Peru.

Vicky Coombes was enjoying a trip to South America but knew she could not return home without travelling to see Maruja, whom she sponsors through ActionAid.

Mrs Coombes, an administrator at University College London, said: “I immediately felt a real attachment to her. She is very shy but bravely stood in front of her class and sang for us which was really impressive. 

“We also met her grandmother, who gave my husband Gavin and me a big hug. She thanked us for our support and told us how proud she was of her granddaughter.”

Mrs Coombes has been sponsoring Maruja for two years and they have exchanged numerous letters.

Maruja loves to sing, according to her most recent letter, and hopes to record her own music in the future.

But the visit allowed Mrs Coombes a far greater insight into Maruja’s life and the community in which she lives.

She said: “The people we met were appreciated the work ActionAid does. One man told us how the project had turned his life around and how happy he was that people were helping support his community.

“The trip far exceeded my expectations - child sponsorship is so fulfilling. Personally, it's very satisfying, but it's much more than that, it made me realise the difference that such little money per month can make. I cannot imagine not sponsoring Maruja.”