Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Charity fundraiser delivers AFC Bournemouth kits to Uganda

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Some of the Ugandan players celebrate a trophy win in their Cherries kit. Photograph courtesy of Steve Butler.

An AFC Bournemouth fan is going to Uganda next week to delivering football kit and equipment to an orphanage and football academy.

Alex Hancock-Tomlin is supporting Uganda Cherries, a community-based orphanage and football academy in the eastern city of Bugembe.

The teams in the orphanage are boys and girls aged 8-19 and are huge Bournemouth football fans.

A fundraiser established by Steve Butler began three years ago for AFC Bournemouth fans to donate money and old football kits to the Uganda Cherries.

Donations by Cherries fans have become regular.

Steve said: “It’s all going in the right direction at the moment.”

Alex came across @Uganadacherries and decided to help and get involved.

Some of the kit going to Uganda. Photograph courtesy of Steve Butler.

The Cherries fan is the first team member from the charity to go over to Uganda to visit the football team.

Alex’s girlfriend has got a job in Uganda meaning they are both moving out there from next week.

He will be going to the orphanage to see the players and deliver the donations.

“Any further donations are welcome,” he added.

This is a gateway to making things easier and I want to take as much as possible when I go out next week.

The fundraising team member will be living in the Ugandan capital Kampala which is two hours from where the orphanage is based.

He said: “This is a gateway to making things easier and I want to take as much as possible when I go out next week.

“Anything I can do when I’m there, visit the school, take photos, and ask them what they need. This is a great opportunity.”

Steve has been the driving force behind the fundraiser, Alex said: “We have him to thank.”

Kizza, who runs the orphanage, has asked if anyone has an old phone that Alex can bring over so the students can share images of them in their new kit and provide updates on social media.

The AFC Bournemouth community and fans have already given £20,000.

Alex said: “I am very much excited for what’s to come.”

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/promotion-to-regional-league-2?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer