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I have served as a trustee for the SET Foundation (Charity number: 1090708) for many years.

SET awards long-term scholarships to impoverished Thai youngsters at government high schools, vocational colleges and universities. SET also supports the education and health of the children at Saengsawan (‘Light of Heaven’) Orphanage.

SET was established in 1994 by a friend of mine, Peter, after a chance meeting in Thailand with Seckson, an impoverished student who was trying to make ends meet by cleaning windscreens at a petrol station. Seckson had been offered a place at university to study physics, but because of his family’s poverty, there was no possibility of him taking up his place.

Peter recognised Seckson’s potential and initially raised funds to pay for his 4 years at university. More than enough was donated, and in time, SET was established, supporting many more poor students through education and thus breaking the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.

Seckson is now the Director of the Institute of Fundamental Studies at a leading Thai university, having earned his degree, completed a Master’s, and independently completed a PhD. A far cry from what he believed his future held for him.

Over the years, SET has expanded, offering welfare grants, scholarships for students at vocational colleges and has taken under its wing the local orphanage. The small orphanage cares for around 60 children, aged from a few months to 17 years. The children are well cared for, but the orphanage lacks funds to provide much more than basic care. The annual SET-sponsored outing is a highlight for the children, and I have been lucky enough to be part of it on a few occasions while visiting Thailand.

The annual BBQ dinner is at a local restaurant. The children arrive by minibus, and an area of the restaurant is reserved for them.

The laughter, joy and excitement are palpable, and the family vibe amongst the children of all ages is obvious. The older children look out for and care for the younger children, just as older brothers and sisters would for younger siblings.

To mark my 60th birthday, I would like to raise funds to cover the next BBQ dinner for these children. It seems an appropriate cause. We all enjoy meals out with friends and family, and having been part of this celebration in Thailand, I know how precious and how much pleasure this outing brings to the children.