"Walk for Sean 2020"- A different approach!

This year’s Walk for Sean is, sadly, going to be a bit different from previous years. It will come as no surprise to all our supporters that, with the global COVID situation, we have had to cancel our scheduled event.

Firstly, we hope everyone is keeping fit and healthy during these very strange times!

This year we are asking all our supporters to take part in our “Walk for Sean 2020”, but to do so locally with just their family or socially-distanced friends. Full details will appear on the Events page but are summarised below.

Scenes from the Walk for Sean in the last 2 years, in both Liberia and the UK

Liberia-May 2020

As we write this update, the world is of course gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Liberia no exception. Currently the country is reporting 345 cases with 30 deaths, although it is likely that the numbers are higher because of relatively poor reporting practices.

The Fund has advanced monies to help to all those we are consistently working with, including our school in Brewerville and many other communities in and around the capital. We have also supported the Special Olympics project and those children most in need who are involved in it.

This money is targeted at supporting public health (as described in our Coronavirus 2020 update on this site), education whilst the schools are closed and of course basic food and consumables.

We are also pleased to report that Mary’s Meals are once again operating and this allows our children to be certain of receiving one meal a day as a result of being registered at the school.

The pictures below are a sample of life in Liberia, from the home study aids produced by our Head at Brewerville (David Flower) to some of the scenes of basic hygiene and food distribution.

A little goes a long way and we thank you for your support. You can of course make a one-off secure donation at any time by clicking on DONATE.

Spring 2020

We have just emailed our latest newsletter, which is also available HERE for all those who wish to view it. It contains current news from Liberia in these difficult times and an announcement re our 2021 “Walk for Sean”.

Coronavirus

With events in the country as they are, it is clearly right that we postpone the Walk for Sean that we anticipated taking place in June.

These events are of course vital for our fund but, as we all need to collectively overcome the pandemic, they are not a priority.

Our thoughts are with everyone throughout the world, including in Liberia, suffering from the virus.

We hope to schedule a fundraising event in the Autumn should the climate improve.

In the meantime thank you for all your support and good health to you and your family.

Walk for Sean 2020 & Liberian Visit

Sadly, due to the current Coronavirus outbreak, it has been necessary to postpone Mark and Theresa’s trustee visit to Liberia at the end of this month.

Whilst Liberia, at this point, appears to be relatively unaffected, travel advice surrounding any possible visit precludes going at this moment.

Hopefully we can re-schedule for later in the year;however, we are in the very fortunate position of having a great local team and organisation and they will of course continue to do excellent work on the ground. Indeed, the picture below, shows the kindergarten group at our school in Brewerville preparing for another day at school.

Maima William’s Kindergarten class lining up for the start of the day!

The 2020 “Walk for Sean” will take place on Sunday 21st June and more details will be announced on our Events page shortly. This annual event is our major fundraiser each year and generates income to allow more children, like those featured, to attend the schools we support.

Quiz Night a great Success!

A huge thank you to all who took part in the annual Quiz Night last Saturday (8th Feb) and helped raise a staggering £2800+ for the Fund.

As ever it was hugely enjoyable and competitive with a new name being inscribed on the metaphorical trophy, DENSA; many congratulations to them. A bit like the England ruby team in Paris, “Don’t forget the Nuts (2019 champions) slipped to an ignominious defeat under the burden of pressure.

Over 340 people from 12-80+ took part in a competitive evening, with participants travelling from the USA to Reading Road and all points in between.

Lots of thank yous of course, to all those taking part, the school PTA for tremendous support in helping to organise, the school caterers for a great “curry night”, Raquel for supporting once again and Mark, Theresa and Jane who made it happen from the Fund’s perspective.

Finally thank you to Nick Crean, our excellent quizmaster, and his support team on the night.

Christmas 2019 Newsletter

Just before Christmas we published our latest newsletter and it can be accessed HERE if you did not see it.

Please email us if you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the newsletter directly to your inbox

Quiz Night-February 8th

Our annual quiz night will take place at Salesian College on the 8th February. This excellent event is always well-supported and we will publish details in the next day or two.

Please book your place early to avoid disappointment

"Beyond the Roadshow" raises £1300!

A great night was held in Yateley on Saturday 16th when 80+ supporters were royally entertained by Andy McConnell.

Andy, who has enjoyed a rich and varied life, is the glass specialist on the BBC’s ever-popular Antiques Roadshow.

With a glass of wine and refreshments in hand, the audience heard tales of Andy’s career, ranging from rock journalism in the USA to his current role with the BBC. In addition, Andy evaluated glassware bought in by those assembled, including an unique Lalique brooch.

Andy pictured with Maureen Devereux and Raquel Cassidy

The very good news is that the night raised a superb £1300 for the fund and we are hugely grateful to Andy for his time and entertainment and of course all those who supported the event.

Fundraising events such as this and sponsorship are the lifeblood of our efforts in Liberia and would not be a success without your support, our volunteers and generous contributions such as Andy’s.

Behind the scenes at "The Worst Witch" with Raquel Cassidy

Raquel has kindly secured 4 tickets for a behind the scenes trip to the set of “The Worst Witch” and you can have the chance to buy them to raise money for SDCF and the Phyllis Tuckwell charity.

We have been extremely fortunate to be gifted this amazing auction prize, please do like and share so that we reach as many people as possible!!

Join Raquel Cassidy as her special guests on the film set of the CBBC series “The Worst Witch” - bid on this amazing prize today!

You and three guests will be treated to a tour of the sets, have the chance to meet members of the cast & crew, watch a scene being filmed and have lunch with the wondeful Raquel Cassidy on the Catering Bus!

Bid now: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/worstwitch