In loving memory of a friend, father, sportsman and community worker, Bashir Gurey. Bashir was the coach of a Girls Basketball team based in Somalia. We intend to support the former coach’s basketball team by securing funding for the continuation of their sporting goals and for their dream of achieving national status.

Bashir sadly passed on 1st April 2020. He developed a rapid brain cancer and passed away of Covid-19. Two weeks before his sudden diagnosis of a brain tumor, he had been planning a trip to Somalia to visit the Girls Basketball team he had been coaching for the past couple of years. He had been responding well to cancer treatment, however, became infected with the virus which resulted in his premature death. We all mourn the death of Bashir but especially the Girls on his team as Bashir’s death not only meant the loss of their friend and coach but their key fundraiser and with that the team lost the funding needed to keep playing.

The team was set up by Bashir in 2015. The rates of early marriage and female exploitation are high in parts of Somalia and Bashir’s actions were aimed at ending these common practices. Most of the girls in Bashir’s team were young mothers, wives, divorcees and girls who were now given other options than an early marriage. We aim for the money raised to cover pitch rent, a coach, equipment, refreshments and clothing for the next five years as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (the act of giving in charity that is continuous) on behalf of their dedicated coach.

LeafEducation, the organisation that supported Bashir’s work in the Puntland region, would like to honor Bashir’s legacy by continuing his work by securing the team’s funding for the coming five years, so that they can pursue their ambitions.

Thank you to everyone who donates. May Allah swt reward and bless you all for your generosity and support. Please continue to make dua (prayers) for him insha'allah.

Thank you.