A couple who have dedicated nearly 20 years to helping disadvantaged families in Fiji have achieved a milestone in their charity work.

Peter and Margaret Long have just donated a portable EEG machine to the island's main hospital, to help diagnose and treat epilepsy. It is the first of its kind for Fiji and neighbouring Pacific islands.

The couple, who live in Cattistock, were inspired after meeting a little boy suffering frequent seizures. The medication he had been given in Fiji wasn’t working and all known alternatives were unavailable locally and prohibitively expensive.

A neurologist friend of the couple, who works at a hospital in Bristol, was able to suggest a different combination of drugs.

Mrs Long said: "During our recent visit we met up with the little boy. The new medication reduced his fits from three a day to three a week, then three a month.

"Now he has had no seizures for almost a year."

The couple say they were so moved by the experience they started looking at ways to help more children with epilepsy.

Mrs Long added: "It was in the light of this experience and as a result of talking with our friend in Bristol that we decided to investigate facilities for treating epilepsy and similar conditions in Fiji.

"Once again, we took advice from doctors in Bristol and started to fundraise for the equipment needed."

Besides handing over the machine, the trip saw Mr and Mrs Long donate resources to several schools on the island, including Fiji School for the Blind, as well as attending the opening of a kindergarten they set up during a previous visit.

The couple say they are now turning their attention to premature babies: "In Fiji such babies die because of a lack of equipment to help them breathe", Mr Long said.

"After having discussions with the paediatricians in Fiji and the Special Care Baby Unit in our own local hospital, we are fund raising for a Bubble CPAP machine", he added.

"Such a machine keeps the lungs inflated through a non invasive method.

"It means the child is able to survive until their lungs are ready to fully function on their own."

To find out more or to donate towards the project, visit www.childrenoffiji.co.uk