In early 2011, I had the incredible fortune of meeting Mary Maguire when I volunteered at the orphanage she and her husband Kevin founded and owned, north of Mombasa in Kenya. From the very first moment, I was struck by the profound compassion radiating from this amazing Irish couple. Mary's boundless love and unwavering dedication to helping Kenyan children left an indelible mark on my heart. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mary or Kevin when it came to aiding those in need, especially the suffering children they had committed their lives to uplift through having an orphanage, a school, who freely educated the poorest of the poor and a children's disability respite care program at their project.

Our friendship blossomed instantly, and Mary and Kevin became my mentors on my journey with Umoja. Mary was there for the foundation laying of our first home, and for the official opening. Mary and Kevin's wisdom and guidance saved me from countless pitfalls, as they had already navigated the path I was embarking on. Over the past 13 years, we stayed connected through bi-weekly chats and regular phone calls, sharing the triumphs and tribulations of running children's homes. Despite the occasional challenge of deciphering that strong Irish accent, our bond grew stronger with every conversation. Whenever we were both in Kenya at the same time, we would meet up, solving Kenya's problems over a bottle of wine or two.

The recent news of Mary’s passing after a very short illness was a devastating blow. My heart ached for Kevin, their children, grandchildren, and the countless lives Mary had touched and transformed. Mary was always there for me, ready to drop everything to offer her support and advice, and I did the same for her. Often I could help her out on an issue she was having that I had experience with. She understood the unique challenges of running projects in Kenya, and we regularly brainstormed solutions together. 

We had been looking forward to hopefully reuniting in September this year, planning to align her volunteer program with ours at Umoja. We hadn't seen each other since before the pandemic, and the anticipation of our reunion was a bright spot on the horizon.

At Mary's livestreamed funeral, her son shared a profound message: Please be“A little bit Mary in this world." Even a sprinkle of Mary's kindness could work wonders for our souls and other's souls. Her legacy of compassion and selflessness is a beacon of inspiration for us all. Mary and I shared a love of INXS and our 2 worlds did indeed collide for such a positive reason. Rest in peace, dear friend. Your spirit will continue to guide and inspire me.

Where your donation goes

Just look at the “Transformation of Hamisi"

We have now had Hamisi for just over a month. Hamisi came to us at 5 years old and just 5kg in May. (Yes 5kg!) He had to be hospitalised for over a week. I still have trouble understanding how a child can be so horribly neglected.  In one month he has gained 4kg. Due to the chronic neglect of little Hamisi he has to have several mobility devices made for him which are underway. The staff are amazed at his determination to get mobile, his happiness and now sparkling eyes. 

He can now move across the floor on his bottom and get around in his walker which is helping strengthen his legs and giving him a new freedom - mobility. He has occupational therapy and physiotherapy once a week. We thank those who came to his rescue and are his sponsors.  Without you, there would have been little hope of the help Hamisi is receiving and will need for some time. He has many little ‘mothers' at Umoja, besides the housemothers who dote on him.