5 years ago little Jordan Banks lost his life when he was struck by lighting on a football pitch. A football mad boy with a heart of gold who spent his spare time fundraising and helping others. At the very moment he was killed, family friend Jordan Wylie MBE was in Djibouti building the countries first pre school, in the middle of the Afar desert. He halted proceedings to hold a football match in little Jordan's memory - a tradition that has continued since.

In 2024 little Jordan's Mum visited the community who play in her son's memory and together with Amy, a long time educationalist and supporter of the desert community Gifting Goals was born and with it a promise to deliver a legacy - the first open access astro turf pitch. A safe space for children to play, to dream of stronger futures and where communities can come together to thrive.

This year, Katie and I are taking on the Anfield Abseil to raise money for gifting goals. As a trustee, I’m passionate about children, wherever they are in the world having access to sport, education and opportunity.

Growing up, sport and community played such a defining role on our lives, Katie and I spent our school years playing in the hockey and netball teams, joining the local dance clubs, and filling our evenings and weekends with matches, rehearsals and memories! At the time we took it all for granted, but looking back those opportunities didn’t just shape our confidence and passions; they helped build our futures. Something many children just don’t have access to currently.

My visit to Djibouti last year was genuinely life changing. To return this year in 2026 and help deliver this football pitch would mean more than words can say.

And then there’s Katie, a best friend of mine for over 22 years, she is supportive, confident and quietly adventurous! She attended our first Gifting Goals charity ball last year, where she first heard the story of little Jordan Banks. From that moment, she became completely invested in supporting our mission.

As busy mums ourselves, we don’t get alot of time free time away from our families, but on the 18th April, we are heading up to Liverpool and taking on this challenge - despite being terrified of heights (me) she didn’t hesitate to join me on this one, loyal as they come!

Wish us luck, and please donate and share if you are able to.

Love Hari and Katie

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