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

What a success, 4500 sponsored miles and we reached Monrovia!

On the 23rd June, after 8 weeks of fantastic individual contributions, we rode into Brewerville Monrovia, a distance of over 4500 miles which has so far raised over £5000!

Our Patron Raquel Cassidy was present and we are grateful for her support, and that of her loyal fans, both on the day and in contributing to the success.

Thank you to all our loyal friends and supporters, here and all over the world, who took part, sponsored or organised the 2019 “Road to Monrovia”.

In a rainy and wet Monrovia, here is the moment we arrived at the school after 4500 miles of riding, walking, swimming and rowing from all our supporters.

"Road to Monrovia"-Journey's End

Simultaneously, in different weather conditions, we completed 4500 miles at the Family Funday in Yateley.

Road to Monrovia -UK

Here are just some of the images from both the Family Funday and your efforts over the last 8 weeks as we collectively cycled, swam, walked and rowed 4500 miles, raising in excess of £5000.

Family Funday (And we have reached Liberia)

On the morning of the Family Funday we have crossed the border from Sierra Leone into Liberia. Overnight and into this morning more supporters have recorded cycling, swimming and walking miles…. a truly fantastic effort (Pictured Below).

You can find out if we reach the schools in Monrovia later today!

One week to go!

With just over a week to go we are in Nouakchott in Mauritania, we are sure most of you have been there before!

We still have 1000+ miles to go in just over a week and would hope that “one more effort” from all those taking part will see us to Monrovia.

It is not too late to take part, either cycling, exercise bike or walking, all miles appreciated.You can cycle anytime or place to help us on the “Road to Monrovia”.

Please can we also ask that any sponsor monies are paid in using Virgin Money or your preferred option. We are looking to average a £ per mile so all contributions are gratefully received.

The picture at the top of this page is the new bike purchased to help our volunteers get around to all the schools we have sponsored children as part of their oversight of the sponsorship programme.

Please do send photos and updates via this website or Instagram so that we can keep telling the story.

A reminder that the Family Funday starts at 2pm next Sunday (23rd June) and, if possible bring your bike(s) so that you can take part in the final lap of honour on the “Road to Monrovia”.

Dry and dusty but well on the way!

As of today our “Road to Monrovia” sponsored ride has reached the Western Sahara, the best part of 3000 miles from Yateley with 1500 still to go!

Thanks to all those who are cycling, rowing, or walking in so many different places. From Northumberland to Norfolk, from Yateley to the USA, from Germany to Nigeria, we have people contributing in so many different ways!

Please keep on cycling, and sharing your efforts and achievements with us so that we can keep updating our map and raising the £4500 target we are hoping to achieve.

Here are just a few of your images:

We hope as many of you as possible can join us on Sunday 23rd June for a celebratory “lap of honour” at our Family Funday.

The day starts at 2pm and includes a BBQ, raffle,bouncy castle and refreshments and is always a good day out!