Popular local man Liam Manley died just over three years ago while his wife, Jackie, was in Sierra Leone with her brother and sister. John and Bernice, and other family members, to officially open a school. The funds to build the school had been raised by the charity they run, Schools and Health Foundation, and Liam and Jackie had raised the funds for the school equipment.
As Jackie told us, “Because of what happened to Liam, both events will always be linked in our hearts. Liam loved to walk and did so almost every day so it is fitting that we remember him with a productive and active event rather than some sterile memorial.” The family decided to have a walk for him and also to raise money to build schools in West Africa. Jackie continued “Education is the key to freedom from poverty and since last year we have completed schools in Monrovia, Liberia and Malawi, with other schools substantially complete in Sierra Leon. “Other works include maintenance work on the Liam Manley Primary School and the construction of wells.”
If you want to walk in memory of Liam please come along on Saturday April 13th, meeting at Blarney GAA Club at 12noon, with refreshments afterwards in Blarney Castle Hotel. All most welcome! For more details on the charity take a look at www.schoolsandhealthfoundation.com