Linda Norgrove - 10th anniversary year

The Linda Norgrove Foundation has hit a major milestone during its 10th anniversary year, raising more than two million pounds.
Linda Norgrove with her parents in Afghanistan.Linda Norgrove with her parents in Afghanistan.
Linda Norgrove with her parents in Afghanistan.

Significant donations from a number of charities and trusts have recently helped boost the funds available to the charity which helps women and children in Afghanistan.

It was in October 2010 that Western Isles aid worker Linda Norgrove died in a failed rescue attempt following her kidnapping in Afghanistan. Her parents John and Lorna, determined some good would come from the tragic circumstances, set up a foundation in her name.

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And despite concerns the charity might struggle during the coronavirus pandemic, income has been boosted this year by one-off donations from a number of sources, as well as some innovative fundraising ideas.

As John and Lorna commented: “This has been a difficult year for us all, and many charities have found it challenging. So we have been really heartened by the response of many loyal supporters who found incredibly creative ways to raise funds, despite the lockdowns and social distancing rules.

“More good fortune came in the form of a number of substantial awards from various Trusts and Foundations, as well as a transfer of funds following the wind up of another charity.”

The annual Uig 10k run was replaced with a socially distanced variation which has already raised more than £14k. And one of John and Lorna’s friends organised an open water swim challenge which attracted 83 entrants from across the world, from London to British Columbia.

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US charity Development Aid International raised more than £5k to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of their colleague Linda.

Income so far for 2020 is more than £200,000, the highest annual sum raised since the year immediately following Linda’s death.

All money raised from fundraising events in this 10th anniversary year will pay for medical scholarships for women studying in Afghanistan.

The Foundation now supports 63 medical students.It also supports 27 midwives, 10 nurses and 52 women studying for other degrees such as law and computer science.

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As John and Lorna explained: “We feel it’s important to train female doctors, as well as midwives and nurses, to provide adequate medical support to women in Afghanistan. These trained professionals will in turn act as role models for other young women.”