The appeal launched by the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) to support 26-year-old Rankine Mathew from Kollam, who was left bedridden following a serious accident during his studies in the UK, is gaining strong momentum. Within just four days of its launch, a total of £8,269 has been raised through generous contributions.

Out of this amount, £6,180 was donated by 290 contributors via the KindLink platform, while £1,255 was received through bank transfers. In addition, £1,050 was added as Gift Aid from KindLink donations, bringing the total to £8,269.

Rankine arrived in the UK last September to pursue an MSc in Project Management at a London university. After months of searching, he secured a job at a warehouse dealing with dismantling and selling used cars, which helped him manage his living and study expenses. Just as life was beginning to stabilise, tragedy struck.

He suffered a severe accident at work, resulting in serious injuries to his spine and legs, leaving him bedridden. Due to prolonged hospitalisation, his studies have been interrupted.

To come to the UK, Rankine had taken a loan of approximately ₹15 lakh by mortgaging his family home and property. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of recovering the tuition fees already paid, and as his job was casual employment, he is not eligible for support from his employer.

Back home, his only dependents are his ailing parents. With his future in the UK now uncertain, urgent support is needed to help him return to India, continue rehabilitation treatment, and repay his debts.

The BMCF initiated this appeal with confidence in the compassion of the UK Malayali community, known for standing by those in need. Organisers are urging everyone to extend their support and help this young man rebuild his life.

The appeal is ongoing, and further contributions are warmly welcomed.

To support Rankie please click the link below:

https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/British-Malayali-Charity-Foundation/rankinemathewappeal

The trustees of British Malayali Charity Foundation has decided to convene an AGM at 12 moon on Saturday 28th March 2026 at Bedford, England.

The AGM will discuss about the ongoing activities and the future course of actions. The general working report including the accounts will be submitted in the AGM.

The venue of the AGM at Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 8PN . England.

Any members wishing to attend may please contact at [email protected] to confirm their attendance before AGM.

The grant is intended to support individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected circumstances, health issues, or other challenging situations. BMCF stated that the initiative reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Applications for the New Year Grant 2025 are now open, and interested applicants are required to submit their completed application forms along with the necessary supporting documents within the stipulated timeframe.

The deadline to apply is 20th January 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. The application form and detailed guidelines are available through BMCF’s official channels.

BMCF representatives have encouraged those in need of support to make use of this opportunity and assured that all applications will be reviewed with fairness and confidentiality.

Application for New Year Grant 2026

APPLICATION FOR ‘BMCF NEW YEAR GRANT 2026’ – Google Document

Terms & Conditions

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes 2025 -26

Date: 16 November 2025

Time: 2:30 -4:30pm

Platform: Online

1. Welcome Address

   The meeting began with chairman Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil welcoming all attendees. The founding chairman Shajan Skariah was also present, and his continued support was acknowledged.

2. Attendance

   The following members attended the AGM:

   Shajan Skariah, Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil, Manoj Mathew, Boney Chandy, Shaji Lukose, Greeshma Francis, Bindu Kalaraj, Resmi Prakash, Francis Antony, Ajimon Michael Edakkara, Prasanna Shine, Dominic palukunnel Chacko, Ansi Krishnan, Simon Jacob, Jimmy George, Shaijumon KR and Siby Mathew.

3. New Membership Updates

   It was noted that trustees Shinu Clare Mathews and Bij Thomas have stepped down from their positions.

   Ansi Krishnan and Dominic palukunnel Chacko have joined as new trustees.

4. Annual Reports

Secretary’s Report:

   General secretary Manoj Mathew presented the annual report, summarising the main activities and achievements of the year. This year marked a milestone in BMCF’s history as we crossed the £1.5 million threshold and reached an extraordinary cumulative total of £1.73 million raised for humanitarian service since our inception in 2012.

Treasurer’s Report:

Boney Chandy presented the financial report.

* A total of 19 appeals were supported this year.

* From the general fund, £1,000 was allocated to Open Hands Leicester and £2,000 to the Saroja appeal.

* Challenges with Gift Aid submissions were highlighted, with approximately £10,000 still pending due to previous rejections.

* Members were reminded about the importance of proper documentation for appeals, including email subject lines, enquiry forms, and decision-making records, which are essential for auditing.

5. Trustee Elections – 2025

   The following members were elected and confirmed in their roles for the upcoming year:

* Chairman: Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil

* Vice Chairperson: Prasanna Shine

* Secretary: Greeshma Francis

* Treasurer: Boney Chandy

* Acting Joint Treasurer: Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

* Joint Secretary: Bindu Kalaraj

* PRO: Manoj Mathew

* Charity Public Event Convenor: Francis Antony

* Charity Night Coordinator: Resmi Prakash

* Advisory Board Convenor: Ajimon Michael Edakkara

(legally approved by charity commission)

New trustees: Ansi Krishnan and Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

Trustees stepping down: Shinu Clare Mathews and Biji Thomas

Trustees for the year 2025 – 26

01. Chairman – Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil ( Manchester)

02. Vice chair – Prasanna Shine ( Bath)
03. Boney Chandey – Treasurer ( Leicester)
04. Greeshma Francis – Secretary (Derby)
05. Francis Antony – Trustee( Telford)
06. Augustine M.V- Trustee( London)
07. George Mathew – Trustee ( Leicester)
08. Shaji Lukose – Trustee ( Belfast)
10. Resmi Prakash ( Chelmsford)
11. Simon Jacob – Trustee ( Southampton)
12. Afsal Ali Arunhipurathu.( Croydon)
13. Manoj Mathew – Trustee & PRO ( Stoke on Trent)
14. Ansi Krishnan – New Trustee (Southampton)

15. Dominic Palukunnel Chacko – New trustee with additional responsibility for account works. ( Leicester)

There is no change in the signatories. Chairman Sabu and Treasurer Boney will continue as authorised signatories

6. Discussions and Proposals

* A charity night is planned for March 2026, with preparations to begin shortly.

* Prasanna Shine suggested that awards should also recognise and include more individuals who consistently support the foundation.

* Sabu outlined future plans including identifying new events and strengthening the appeals process.

* Ajimon emphasised the importance of involving younger members for new ideas, improved use of technology, and better social media presence.

* Advisory Board member Shaijumon mentioned the youth wing. Sabu responded that although a youth wing is still in place and approved by charity commission, it could not continue due to young members’ time constraints and will consider in the future.

7. Vote of Thanks

  Joint Treasurer Bindu Kalaraj delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all trustees, volunteers, attendees, and supporters of BMCF.

Conclusion

The AGM concluded on a positive note, with members reaffirming their commitment to supporting the foundation’s charitable work and planning future initiatives.

Thanks & Regards,

Greeshma Francis

Secretary

BMCF

London: What began as a hopeful dream of a better life in the UK has turned into a devastating fight for survival for Saroja (41) and her husband Thadevoos (51) from Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram. Three years ago, they arrived on a visit visa after spending their life savings — trusting agents who falsely promised to convert it into a work permit. Since then, the couple has been living undocumented, surviving on cash-in-hand work and constant anxiety.

Recently, Saroja began suffering from severe abdominal and back pain. After multiple misdiagnoses and hospital visits, doctors at Newham Hospital delivered the heartbreaking news: she has an aggressive and rare form of sarcoma cancer. Her condition continues to worsen, leaving her in unbearable pain while her husband remains by her side, exhausted and emotionally shattered.

In this darkest moment, a ray of support emerged. The British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF), recognising their critical situation, has transferred £2,000 from its General Fund to help the couple. Because of their visa status, many charities had turned away — making BMCF’s support a crucial lifeline.

Friends have also launched a fundraising campaign to assist with urgent needs, as the couple faces an uncertain and frightening future. Married for 17 years with no children, they now rely solely on the compassion and solidarity of the community around them.

In a foreign land, far from home, they are fighting a battle they never imagined — but they are not alone.

UK Malayalees Raise £25,250 in Two Days to Repatriate Aneena’s Body and Support Grieving Family

Ilford, London: In a touching display of unity and compassion, the UK Malayalee community has raised £25,250 within just two days to help repatriate the body of Aneena — the young student who tragically passed away after sudden brain death — and to support her heartbroken family in Kerala.

Around 1,500 people came forward with generous contributions to ensure that Aneena is taken home with dignity. Her body is currently kept in the mortuary at King George Hospital, Ilford, while final formalities with the Indian Embassy are nearing completion.

Through the KindLink platform, £21,154 was raised, along with £3,370 received as Gift Aid. After deducting £634 as platform charges and adding £1,346 from the bank transfer plus £14 from the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) General Fund, the total reached £25,250.

Aneena, one of triplet daughters and a beacon of hope for her financially struggling family, had travelled to London after her parents took a ₹20 lakh loan, dreaming she would secure a career that could lift them out of hardship. She was pursuing a postgraduate programme in Sustainable Agriculture at Middlesex University, excelling in a rarely chosen field that promised strong future job prospects.

Those dreams were shattered when she collapsed and was rushed to King George Hospital last Thursday. Despite desperate prayers for her recovery, Saturday evening brought the devastating confirmation of her passing — a reality her family is still struggling to accept.

The community effort to support the family has been hailed as a remarkable act of love and solidarity, showing how UK Malayalees come together in moments of profound tragedy. For a family surviving on the father’s modest autorickshaw income back home, this assistance offers a lifeline amid unimaginable loss.

As arrangements progress to bring Aneena back to her homeland, her story has become a heartfelt reminder of the fragility of life — and the strength found in compassion.