Our story
In 1991, Emmanuel Kailie from Sierra Leone visited the UK for a conference with the charity ActionAid. At the time, Emmanuel was working as health co-ordinator for ActionAid in Kambia district, north west Sierra Leone, West Africa. During a weekend conference break, he was offered hospitality by some ActionAid supporters in Cheltenham. Emmanuel asked them if he could look round the local hospital.
Since it was a weekend, Emmanuel was given a conducted tour of the local maternity hospital. He expressed surprise that there were mattresses on the beds with sheets on them and expressed an interest in forming a link between the hospital in Cheltenham and his own in Kambia. He was asked to put his proposal in writing.
From a single reply to 30 years of impact
Emmanuel immediately sent a reply. The next step was to arrange a visit to Kambia to assess the practicalities of such a link. As a result, we became a registered charity in September 1992, with the objectives of “the preservation of health and relief of sickness and need by providing funds for the for the purchase of medical and other equipment for Sierra Leone generally and for the Kambia District Hospital in Sierra Leone specifically.”
Since then, over more than 30 years, we have arranged visits of medical personnel in both directions, provided essential equipment and training of individuals and arranged training courses, in spite of civil war, burning down of the hospital and a devastating outbreak of Ebola virus.
Support our growth
Donating to our charity is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in the lives of those in need. By contributing, you join a caring community dedicated to spreading kindness and ensuring that support reaches the right hands.