Destitute children pray for British star Jade Goody

Cancer-stricken British actress Jade Goody have friends in India praying for the recovery of her terminal illness.

Over 71 children living at the Jeevodaya (raising life) shelter at Itarshi, Madhya Pradesh, have been praying for the reality TV star whose benevolence was a comfort to the destitute children.

"I am praying to God to let her have hair on her head and a happy life with her family," UCA News quoted five year-old Bobby Mishra as saying.

Mishra prays "every day in the morning and evening that she would get well." All children are happy for her help, he said.

According to the news agency, the celebrity's financial support for the home was not made public until recently when her autobiography was released. She reportedly donated 100,000 British pounds (about US$145,000) to the Railway Children, a British charity.

Later, part of the money went to the shelter maintained by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Chambery.

Goody's contribution has provided the children with shelter, food, clothing and schooling. The Jeevodaya shelter also supports about 400 children who live in their own homes.

Sister Clara Joseph, founder of the home, says she was unaware of who was funding the project, as it came through the Railway Children.

"We were shocked to learn" that the sponsor was having a terminal illness, the nun was quoted saying.

People in the home "offer regular morning and evening prayers for (Goody's) recovery, ever since we got to know that she was helping us," she said.

The abandoned children, says Joseph, is picked from the Itarsi station platform. The house takes care of those who cannot return to their homes, she said.

Mrinalini Rao, director of the Railway Children in India, testifies Goody as "very vibrant and enthusiastic person," especially around children.

Goody fulfilled "her promise to help ... and touched the lives of hundreds of destitute children," she said.

The 27-year-old has been granted her last wish after doctors allowed her to go home so that she could spend her final days with her sons, Bobby, five, and Freddie, four.

The former Big Brother contestant earlier said, reading her Bible and praying to God is helping her in her battle.

"I've got a version of the Bible which is easy to read and I look through it when I'm feeling down. It really helps," she said.