Death of little John Mbali aged 10 years

We are very saddened to announce that one of our young children has recently died. 10 year old John Mbali. 

John had been ill for sometime and after learning of John Mbali’s illness and desperation for pain control and medical care Raj Singh, a friend of Richard Young, donated £240 to help.

Unfortunately John died soon after Raj made his donation. Raj stated he would like the money to go to the funeral costs as his guardians did not have the funds to bury their grandson. Margaret Dowe who is living and working in our Children’s Home wrote a very moving letter of appreciation to Raj……

Hi Raj,

I just wanted to write you a little email to say thank you and tell you a bit about the funeral. I have written you a letter and the guardian has written some things too. I will send them this evening but because the post here can take a long time I thought it better to email.

Firstly, as Rich says the day went beautifully and I cannot thank you enough for the money you sent. I know in an ideal world it would have provided medication and pain relief but John's little body gave up and now he is at least in no pain and found some rest. And your money allowed the family to give him such a lovely send off which meant so much to them, the children, his friends at the Home and of course me.

John was buried in the garden of his paternal grandparents who were his guardians. They do not live far from the Children's Home so we walked the children to his home in the morning and arrived with many people from the local community and John's extended family who had come from quite far. The money you sent provided enough seating for all the people and meant that we could build John a beautiful wooden coffin here at the children's home. The carpenter who is based here and knew John built it and one of older boys helped him varnish it. It was really very sad to see such a small coffin. However, once it was in place with his body, at his grandparents house the whole thing seemed very fitting.

Members of John's family and one of the children from the children's home stood up to tell everyone about John and his short life. He meant so much to everyone there and these speeches were very emotional. All the children had formed a small choir lead by the older children and sang throughout the day and in between prayers and speeches. These songs were actually really uplifting and joyful. While we proceeded in two lines to his burial site a few feet away they continued to sing. While the older boys and the male staff members lowered his body and then filled his grave, they carried on singing. It really was all very moving.

The money you sent not only allowed the family to bury their child at home with all the community around but allowed them to provide food for afterwards giving everyone the time to chat and consol each other. When you meet grandparents who have lost their children and their grandchildren it is heartbreaking but Raj, you allowed them a very special goodbye and I know how grateful they are for that.

I only knew John for a very short time but I believe while he was here at the children's home in his remaining weeks he was happy playing with the children like any other wee boy. And they treated him no differently to anyone else despite his visible illness. He died at the home of grandparents who clearly loved him dearly and showed him this and was at least given pain relief within the last few days which we hope helped somewhat.

I really cannot thank you enough Raj. I was starting to feel quite angry and frustrated with things when John died and then I received the email from Rich about your donation and it reminded me that there are some amazing people in the world and those who always want to help. It was a beautiful day and appreciated by everyone who attended. I am not a particularly religious person but I do think John is with his parents somewhere now at peace, so thank you again from everyone here in Kenya.

Warmest regards,

Margaret

                                   Many people attended the funeral.

           A thank you goes to Raj on behalf of all at the Akhonya Trust