STOURPORT woman WaiLo Li has donated more than 1,500 hours of her time – estimated to be worth £29,000 – to a charity project.

Miss Li, a former pupil at Stourport High School devoted 10 months to the British Chinese Heritage Project – Chinese Lives in Birmingham, which looks at the history of migrants to the city and British Chinese people.

The ex-Jaguar Land Rover public relations manager focused upon strategy and communications to help to complete the labour of love.

In December last year, Wailo was invited to take part in the project, which included examining the development of the Chinese community in Birmingham.

She then volunteered her skills and expertise for the remainder of the exercise.

The result is a blog called chineselivesinbirmingham.com, a bilingual booklet, DVD, photo-books, recordings of interviews and visual exhibitions at The Cube and The Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

The project, which was awarded a £35,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is now archived in Birmingham Library and can be borrowed by schools and organisations for educational purposes.

“I can’t quite believe that the project is finally completed,” said Miss Li, 30.

“It’s certainly been an interesting journey of blood, sweat and tears.

“The number of all-nighters we’ve had to pull has definitely surpassed my university days.”

She added: “On a serious note, it’s been an absolute privilege to be part of the British Chinese Heritage project, both as a volunteer and as a participant – especially as it’s the first of its kind in the West Midlands.

“Some of the interviewees in their 80s and 90s have got absolutely fascinating tales to tell – of determination, grit and courage from their journeys of migration.

“It’s been really inspirational and crucial to capture before it’s too late.

“I’m passionate about British Chinese representation and delighted to have been able to help, even in such a small way, the Birmingham Chinese community here to have a voice and be proud of their heritage.

“As a community, we’re so much more than just Chinese New Year and I hope this project can allow the wider public and future generations to see this.”

Miss Li is also the founder of Project TOM (project-tom.org.uk), a voluntary non-profit group which encourages more young people to get into charity work.

Project TOM has raised over £40,000 for charitable causes at home and abroad, helping more than 58,500 people.