In honour of Erica Kazaz.

The project:

Working with Noor Orphans, we hope to cover the costs of a new classroom at a purpose built educational centre in Karbala, Iraq.

The Noor Orphan Centre for Educational Excellence vision:

• To provide effective education for all without consideration of gender, race or religion.
• To support orphans through the most difficult period in their lives by providing them with opportunities to help their future.
• To support orphans and widows via trauma counselling and encourage them to
gain useful skills to provide for their family

In addition, further funds we are able to raise will be allocated to installing a sanitation and water system supplying several Yemeni villages - ensuring clean and safe water for around 12,000 people currently unable to access these basic facilities.

The woman behind our mission:

Where to start when it comes to talking about someone like our mum? Maybe a list of some of her many, many attributes:

- Kindness; she had the most gentle soul, which was never more evident than in the endless love she had for her daughters, grandchildren, family and friends
- Compassion; mum would tear up at the thought or sight of somebody struggling. She would do everything she could to help anyone, no matter their situation
- Integrity; mum's fairness knew no bounds. It was important to her that all things and people were equal
- Generosity; mum was the most giving person we've ever known. She would always put everyone else's needs before her own
- Patience; no matter how frustrating any member of her family was, mum would offer calm forgiveness without hesitation
- Strength; although mum faced many challenges over the years, she fought each one with courage and conviction.

Mum's life was incredible. She tackled every hurdle (from severe post natal depression which affected her deeply over many years, to her recent battle during 7 weeks in intensive care) with dignity and grace, and moved mountains to prove that her love for us came before anything - including her own happiness and peace.

It seems fitting that we honour mum's memory by giving back in her name. Children were her world; she worked with them in hospitals and schools throughout her adulthood, and later looked after each of her grandchildren day in day out with joy in her heart. We like to think their innocence and verve for life was a reflection of her own character. And we know there is nothing which would have given her more happiness than the thought of providing all young people with a better chance; to thrive, to succeed and to grow.

Mum was also adamant that every person deserved access to clean and safe water. We hope to provide for a sanitation and water system that supplies up to 12,000 people across several Yemeni villages.

Our mum was truly the best of us. Our whole family were blessed with her unconditional love, every moment of every day. And in her final weeks, we watched in awe as she battled and fought to stay with us.

There's a void in our hearts which will never be filled. But we pray that our beautiful, amazing mum is now in a better place - enjoying the many rewards she earned each and every day through her incredible deeds here on earth.

We love you forever and always mummy. Our protector, our best friend, our supporter, and the light of all our lives.