Hello everyone

As many of you will know from your times visiting Lagos, we (Ned/Martha and Abel/Janneke) were lucky to employ Richard Akpan Udo, AKA ‘Chef Richard’ as a cook during our time living in Nigeria. After our time in Lagos Richard went on to cater for large events such as weddings and parties, alongside private cheffing. We all enjoyed keeping up with his instagram page as he promoted his burgeoning business!

But - after being involved in a road accident in September - Richard’s life has been turned upside down.

While traveling in a minibus back to Lagos from an out-of-state catering job, everything changed in an instant. With Richard at the front of the bus, an out-of-control truck crashed into them. Several passengers lost their lives. Richard survived, but seriously injured his right arm. After being transferred between hospitals, and viable treatment options, doctors told him he had - in effect - no choice but to have his whole arm amputated.

Cooking was his passion, his livelihood, and his future. Richard cooked the most delicious meals, and worked with such precision in everything he did. But with a prosphetic or even semi functional replacement limb, Richard is unable to work as a chef.

Now, he needs our help.

Determined to rebuild his life, Richard wants to start a livestock business in his home state of Akwa Ibom, one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in southern Nigeria. To make this a reality, we want to help him by raising some money.

The funds will help Richard set up; supporting getting a small plot of land to farm, pigs/goats, feed and construct a small farmhouse. In addition he needs to have some funds to maintain his prosthetic arm. This business will give him independence and the chance to support himself again.

Will you help us help Richard? Every donation, big or small, brings him one step closer to a fresh start. It will mean a lot to him and to us!

Thank you for your support!