CHRIST Church, Woking, is to host the launch of a charity cookbook that aims to help Indian HIV/AIDS victims to live life to the fullest.

Beena Philips presents Cook With Beena at a special event this Saturday, 16 November, from 7pm, ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December.

With her husband, Martin, Beena founded the Bethesda Life Centre in Goa to care for HIV-positive women who were abandoned by their families; orphans; children of HIV/AIDS-affected parents; children of commercial sex workers; and children of parents with leprosy and incurable diseases. India has the second-highest infection rates of HIV/AIDS in the world.

Many volunteer workers travel from the UK to Goa to help the charity, including several from Woking, hence the book being launched here.

The launch will feature a photography exhibition, recipe samples, stories from the centre, music and an interview with Beena.

Beena said: “This project is very close to my heart, as it includes both the things I’m very passionate about: food, and uplifting the lives of women and children."

  The proceeds from the book will go to the charity.

Tickets are available from www.eventbrite.co.uk. Cook With Beena costs £25 and is available to buy from www.cookwithbeena.com. Beena’s website also documents the work of the Bethesda Life Centre, and has details on how to donate.

For the full story get the 14 November edition of the News & Mail