During Sarah’s treatment in Kenya, she and Russell found comfort in embracing the local culture. But alongside its beauty, they also witnessed the harsh reality of extreme poverty in the Kibera and Mukuru slums.

What struck them most were the relationships they built with Sarah’s nurses. These people cared deeply for her, despite facing unimaginable challenges in their own lives.

One nurse, in particular, shared that they had been saving all their tips to bring their child, Amos, home from the far northwestern region of Kenya, near Lake Victoria. When Sarah and Russell met Amos, they were devastated to find him critically ill, suffering from sickle-cell anaemia, tuberculosis, and complications caused by contaminated drinking water.

Doctors gave Amos a 50-50 chance of survival, but only if he received antibiotics. The treatment cost nearly £100, far beyond what his parents could afford. Sarah and Russell did not want to sit around and do nothing, so they paid the bill for Amos’s treatment and within a few days, he had made a full recovery.

It was this moment that ignited their passion to support children and families across Kenya.

*Russell and sister Nicky, staying with Amos’s grandmother in rural Kenya, 2003*

When Sarah sadly passed away in 2002, she requested that the money raised for her treatment be used to help children in Kenya and specifically told Russell to be involved.

And so, The Boo Charity was born. Built on compassion, community and Sarah’s legacy of hope.

*Russell learning about setting up a charity in Kenya, 2003*

Fast forward to 2018, when Russell met up with Amos, who is now a thriving young man, with his own family and career as a car mechanic. A powerful reminder of how a single act of kindness can change the course of a life.

Photo Memories