Foundation concludes three recent appeals with an overwhelming amount of over £ 30 Ks; Community’s wholehearted support for Anand Nair, Bijo Mathew & Vinchu Kumar appeals
The Charity Foundation has had an incredibly busy period as we worked diligently to support families in need. This update highlights the progress of our recent fundraising appeals for Anand Nair, Bijo Mathew, and Vinchu Kumar along with the tremendous efforts made by local associations and our supporters.
Anand Nair’s Appeal
Late Anand Nair’s family reached out to BMCF in their time of dire need following Anand’s untimely passing. Anand, an Ayurvedic doctor from Tripunithura, succumbed to liver disease after a prolonged hospital stay. He leaves behind his pregnant wife, Haritha, who is also an Ayurvedic doctor. The family is burdened with significant financial challenges, including debts incurred for their move to the UK and ongoing living expenses.
After thoroughly reviewing their application and confirming their eligibility, BMCF launched a fundraising campaign through KindLink. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we have raised an impressive £9820.00 including Gift Aid. When we received an amount of £ 8,166.00 through kindlink platform, £ 965.00 attributed to the fund from the gift aid and direct receipt of £ 926.00 through bank a/c added as well. Kindlink fundraising platform deducted their fee of £ 285.00 and trustees added another £ 28.00 from the general fund to make the round figure to the tune of £ 9,800.00.
This fund will go directly to support Haritha and her family during this challenging time.
The appeal has drawn a significant response from the local and international community, with many expressing their condolences and making generous donations.
Bijo Mathew’s Appeal
Bijo Mathew’s family was also facing a critical situation. Bijo, who moved to the UK from Thodupuzha, Kerala, India with his wife Swapna and their two young children, has been hospitalized for over a month due to a brain bleed that has left him partially immobile. With Swapna, who was unable to work as she cared for hospitalised Bijo and their children in the beginning, forced go for work as the family’s financial situation had become dire. BMCF trustees has reviewed and approved their application after confirming their urgent need for assistance.
Through the KindLink campaign, BMCF raised a significant £14,400.00 including Gift Aid, to support Bijo’s ongoing treatment and the family’s living expenses.When we received an amount of £ 11,442.00 through kindlink platform, £ 2,117.00 added additionally from the gift aid towards donations from HMRC and a fund of £ 1,168.00 received directly through bank a/c . Kindlink fundraising platform deducted their fee of £ 400.00 and trustees added another £ 73.00 from the general fund to make the round figure to the tune of £ 14,400.00.
Vinchu Kumar’s fight against cancer garners overwhelming support:
The heartwarming story of Vinchu Kumar, a 49-year-old Croydon, UK resident battling blood cancer, has sparked an outpouring of support from across the globe. Vinchu, currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Regional Cancer Centre Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India – one of the most modern cancer treatment hospitals in South India – urgently needed financial assistance to continue his treatment and recover enough to travel back to the UK for advanced care.
In the month since his family’s heartfelt appeal, the community had rallied behind him by raising an impressive total amount if £ 9,700.00 through the fundraising platform KindLink/bank account. The appeal collected and amount of £ 8,022.00 through kindlink and the fund enhanced with another £ 1,438.00 from gift aid. While a fund of £ 446.00 sent by donors into charity ‘s bank a/c, kindlink sent the net amount after a deduction £ 280.00 towards their fee. Trustees decided to add £ 74.00 from general fund to reach to the round off hand over fund to £ 9,700.00
This has been made possible thanks to generous donors and innovative fundraising efforts, including the now-famous “Biriyani Challenge” organized by the Croydon Malayali Association. The challenge, which sold 516 packs of delicious biriyani, not only delighted taste buds but also raised substantial funds for the cause.
Vinchu’s journey has been marked by resilience and sacrifice. A long-time UK resident, he supported his family in Kerala by working tirelessly in security and CCTV roles, sending money home for his wife’s mental health treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. His diagnosis during a recent trip to India has placed enormous strain on his family, who are already grappling with health issues and financial burdens.
With over INR 12 lakhs equivalent to over £12 Ks already spent on treatment in India and a debt of INR 35 lakhs (£35 Ks) against pledging their family property in Kerala, Indy, the challenges they face were staggering. Vinchu’s wife, mother, and child remain in Kerala, India for medical treatment while his sister—who recently overcame breast cancer—cares for the family.
The funds raised so far represent a beacon of hope for Vinchu and his family. However, the road ahead is long, with significant costs still looming for his ongoing treatment, travel back to the UK and efforts to reunite his family under a stable healthcare system.
Speaking about the appeal, organizers expressed deep gratitude for the Croydon Association and all who contributed. “The Biriyani Challenge showed how communities can come together to support someone in need. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the compassion and humanity shown by every single donor,” they said.
The family continues to seek help, emphasizing the urgent need to stabilize Vinchu’s health and bring him back to the UK, where his newly acquired British passport will allow him to access vital healthcare and benefits.
As the appeal concluded, the family remains hopeful that the generosity of well-wishers will help them navigate this challenging time. Donations, no matter the size, can make a life-changing impact on Vinchu’s journey to recovery.
BMCF Chairman extended his heartfelt thanks to the trustees, supporters, and local associations for their unwavering commitment and generosity. Chairman Sabu Sebastian, Treasurer Boney Chandey and Secretary Manoj Mathew expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and worked tirelessly to make these fundraising efforts a success.
Your continued support enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can continue to uphold the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines our community”, they said in a statement.
For more information and news in Malayalam, please visit www. britishmalayali.co.uk/charity.