It is a sobering thought that lives can change overnight or even in the blink of an eye. The reversal of fortune can, depending upon the circumstances, be positive or negative.

The events of December 26th 2004 caused many lives to be changed irrevocably. Through, however, the days, weeks, months and years of grieving and rebuilding, a new hope, perhaps a new lust for enjoying life developed. Lives changed again.

Thousands of people saw it as an opportunity to do something worthwhile, to bring a smile to a face washed by tears.

Kathy Davies is one such person, although, as she told the Post, “I couldn’t do it on my own.”

Her actions have, in essence, been quite simple and are certainly part of a collaborative effort.

She and others support children – orphans – from Baan Ban Sak, near Takua Pa in Khao Lak.

“Support” perhaps conjures up images of handouts and food packages. Not so with the group of 23 children – each of whom has a sponsor – taken on a recent trip to Bangkok by Kathy and friends.

“We took them to places some of them had heard of – ones important to their understanding of their nation, their culture such as the Grand Palace – but never visited and a few places just for fun, such as Dreamworld, where they loved the icy area. Parkas and welly boots, it was great,” says Kathy.

The children and adults flew Thai Airways to the capital and were catered for at the Menam Riverside Hotel with ground transportation laid on by Go Vacation and Asian Trails.

Yet the trip, with help from Sue Ultmann from Baan Rim Pa, and Mike Inman, the GM at the Aspasia, was not just a jolly.

“Well, I suppose it was,” smiles Kathy, a former model, “but there was an element of learning, of practical help in it all.”

Kathy, who designs jewellery, which is sold in Trisara and The Chedi with profits going towards the children’s care, says that each of the children was bought a camera.

“And they have learnt or are learning how to use them, not just from an ‘artistic’ angle, but also from the technical side. It’s part of a continuing project and many of them are showing a real eye for photography.

“Perhaps they can use their skills to earn a living when they grow up. Perhaps it will only be a pastime for them, a way of expressing themselves. Whichever way, we are hoping to hold an exhibition of their work this year,” she says, adding, “I’ll let you know when.”

“We’ve already planned their next outing,” says Kathy. “But I’m not sure if the children will enjoy it quite as much, though.

“It’s to the dentist.”

For more information on the children from Baan Ban Sak, contact Kathy Davies at kathy@kathydavies.co.uk.