With great sadness, we have to note that two of the original founders of the Fund have died recently.
Alastair Gunn, had been a popular and well-respected general surgeon, who battled Parkinsons disease for many years. He joined the first Oxfam trip to Shinyanga, at which we all agreed to set up this Fund. He was a man who was determined to help others, and believed that funding projects to improve peoples' livelihoods was the best way for us to contribute to that area.
David Coles was another great man who stood up for what he believed in. He had been committed to development, working with a major accountancy firm in this area, before joining that first visit, and was then key in setting up the Tanzania Fund. He passionately believed in livelihoods and really wanted to help Shinyanga.
We all well remember the lively discussions we had there with them both on our first visit when we all decided that we couldn't just go home and not help this region further.
They will be sorely missed, but we will continue the Fund, now also in their memory.