The Ripple Effect

How a Chance Meeting Changed Lives

Our journey began when our inspiring friend Zoe suggested travelling to The Gambia to help build a school and clinic with the BACE charity. As the owner of Bristol City Cerebral Palsy Football Club, and with my son Casey also living with CP, I had one clear aim: to find and support a local child with the same condition.

The trip offered a rare opportunity to make a meaningful difference, work alongside a dedicated team, and spend valuable time with Casey. When I shared the idea with fellow coaches Nick, Gordon, and Jim, their response both amused and impressed me. Without hesitation—or even a single question—they agreed to come, proving, at least to me, that they are completely mad.

Many people face serious challenges around the world, including here at home, so I wanted our international aid efforts to have a personal and lasting impact. I asked Tracy Mendy, Chairperson of the BACE charity, to help us find a child with cerebral palsy. This mattered deeply because Casey lives with CP, and our coaches also have children with CP in their lives.

After several weeks of searching, Tracy found a young boy with cerebral palsy who was living with his mother. While living with a parent may seem ordinary, this is significant in The Gambia, where children with cerebral palsy are often placed in care or face even more difficult circumstances.

Off to Africa:

Before flying to The Gambia, we met an amazing group of people at the airport. We each had our own reasons for going, but we shared the same goal: to help. The trip became an incredible adventure, and the people we travelled with played a huge part in making it life-changing. You can read more about our journey on our website, www.bccpfootball.co.uk, and learn about the amazing children who play for Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC.

This page is dedicated to raising support for Alpha.

Living with Cerebral Palsy in The Gambia

Disability across Africa presents massive challenges, including social stigma, exclusion, and a severe lack of healthcare.

• The Living Conditions: Alpha and his family live without windows, electricity, or running water.
• The Sleeping Arrangements: Alpha was sleeping on an old mattress on the floor, directly impacting his development.
• The Mother's Struggle: Mariama still needs £35 monthly for healthcare fees, forcing her to beg outside the local mosque.

A Connection Beyond Words

When our coaching team (Nick, Gordon, and Jim) visited Alpha, we witnessed something magical. While Alpha was wary of adults, he instantly recognized and reached out to Casey. That powerful moment sparked the 'ripple effect' that drives our mission today.

How We Are Helping Right Now

Bristol City CPFC has already set up a direct debit to BACE to ensure continuous support.

• Education & Therapy: We are sponsoring Alpha to attend the African Disability School four days a week.
• Professional Care: The school provides direct transport and an on-site physiotherapist to aid his development.
• Immediate Comfort: Casey has donated a new mattress so Alpha can sleep comfortably.

Our Future Goals for Alpha

We want to remove the daily pressures this family faces and give Alpha the future he deserves. Our long-term plans include:

• Medical Clarity: Taking Alpha to the hospital for a formal cerebral palsy diagnosis.
• Home Improvements: Installing a window for ventilation and exploring solar energy for lighting.
• Developmental Tools: Providing a radio and specialized sensory toys to support his motor skills.

How You Can Support

Every single donation goes directly to Mariama and Alpha through BACE.

• Gifts: We are welcoming items suitable for a boy aged 3 to 5 (especially sensory toys).
• Funding: Financial contributions will directly fund his care, home improvements, and medical needs.

Please click the link to donate and help us grow this ripple effect.