Belinda Allan, who was a founding Director and Trustee of Fahamu, died in June this year at the age of 77. Belinda was a strong supporter of all the things that Fahamu stands for – social justice and human rights. Victoria Britain, in an obituary in the Guardian Newspaper (14 July 2013), refers to Belinda’s 'early days of Amnesty International, [as a co-founder in] the successful launching of refugee studies as an Oxford University discipline, to years of active support for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and the grim camps in Lebanon’.

Belinda was unassuming in character, but had a strong presence in any audience, partly due to her commanding stature and colourful dress sense. Belinda resigned as a Director and Trustee in 2010, but remained a loyal friend of the charity, such that when Fahamu started to experience difficulties in 2012 and she discovered that her resignation had not been, as presumed, made official, she returned to support the organization, despite the diagnosis of a life threatening illness. During this difficult time she only wanted good news and was cheered whenever she was told about the determination of the staff to ensure the survival of Fahamu. Not all the current Fahamu staff had the chance to meet her, but those who did write about her generosity of spirit and her welcoming home.

Her support is sadly missed by all.

* Dr Patricia Daley is the Chairperson of Fahamu Board.