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Working For Our Lost Sons

Two mothers, Albina du Boisrouvray and Joanne Yirrell, both lost a son in tragic circumstances. But their loss inspired them to dedicate their lives to helping others.

Joanne Yirrell is a teacher from Bedfordshire in the south of England. Her son Harry died of malaria eight years ago, after a trip to work as a volunteer in Ghana. Joanne now works to eradicate malaria - her story being the real-life inspiration behind the film Mary and Martha, starring Hollywood actress Hilary Swank. Albina du Boisrouvray was working as a journalist and film producer when her son Francois-Xavier Bagnoud died in a helicopter crash in 1986. She comes from a wealthy background and decided to auction off a large chunk of her assets. With the money she raised she started FXB International, a charity that today is active in many countries around the world, particularly working to help children affected by AIDS/HIV.

Also Lieutenant Commander Abhilash Tomy tells us about the 150 day voyage which made him the first Indian to sail solo and non-stop around the world.

And Omara "Bombino" Moctar, the Touareg guitarist who's updated his people's tradition of protest music.

Picture: Albina du Boisrouvray (left and Joanne Yirrell (right
Picture Credit: Arthur Edwards (for Joanne Yirrell picture)

Available now

55 minutes

Last on

Wed 1 May 201302:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 30 Apr 201311:05GMT
  • Tue 30 Apr 201321:05GMT
  • Wed 1 May 201302:05GMT

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected