A pub quiz, raffle and auction was held yesterday evening to raise money for RDF at Doggett’s pub in Blackfriars, London. Prizes included a magnum of champagne, crystal glasses and fine wine. Attendees battled it out over the most sought-after prize of all, two tickets to the FA Cup Final, in a tense and competitive auction process.
Fundraising hike in collaboration with the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association at Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Lebanon
Over 60 people from the The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, Rebecca’s friends and colleagues from the British Embassy and representatives from the Ehden municipality gathered in the Horsh Eden Nature Reserve on Sunday, 29 April. A cedar tree was planted in the Reserve to remember Rebecca as well as the love she had for hiking and the trail. LMTA board member and the Head of Trade at the British Embassy said that Rebecca “served on behalf of her Majesty’s government helping lots of needy people, she went the extra mile and we remember her with this beautiful day”. Hikers then took part in a 20k hike to fundraise for the Foundation and all completed one of the most challenging sections in good time.
Beirut Marathon Association’s Women’s Race and post-run brunch
On Sunday, 22 April, 40 friends of the Foundation took place in a 10k race in Beirut to raise money for RDF in collaboration with the Beirut Marathon Association. Runners and supporters gathered at a brunch kindly sponsored Kahwet Beirut. The Foundation was also offered generous gifts by a host of Lebanese organisations. A competitive and well-spirited auction (who knew so many men were so interested in beauty products!) saw 50 people battle it out for top prizes at some of Lebanon’s finest restaurants raising funds for the Foundation’s first project.
Fundraising lunch in Beirut
Lebanese friends of the Foundation attended a fundraising lunch in Beirut on 20 April. Through the kindness and generosity of those present, RDF was able to raise a substantial amount of the funds needed for its inaugural project.
Memorial held for Rebecca at the Lebanese Embassy, London
Lebanon’s Ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, hosted a memorial for Rebecca at the Lebanese Embassy in London on 16 February. Guests from the Lebanese community in London remembered Rebecca through music performed by the Peace and Prosperity Trust, and a cedar tree was planted in her memory in the Embassy gardens.
Memorial held for Rebecca at St Elias Church, Beirut
The British Embassy hosted a memorial service at St Elias Church, Kantari, for Rebecca on 7 February, attended by her family, the UK’s Lebanese partners and friends and many representative of civil society and the diplomatic community. The UK’s Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter announced the Chevening Scholarship in Rebecca’s name. Karen Pierce, now the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN, spoke of a life dedicated to public service.
Memorial held for Rebecca in St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
An official memorial service was held in London for Rebecca on 5 February at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, who spoke at the memorial, described Rebecca’s work as “focused on easing loss, pain and anguish for the victims of conflict”. Lord Lester, who also spoke, announced that he would dedicate the next edition of his book on human rights and the Rule of Law, which Rebecca had been reading at the time of her death – Five Ideas to Fight For – to Rebecca.
UK Secretary of State pays tribute to Rebecca in Parliament
The Secretary of State to the UK’s Department for International Development Penny Mordaunt said that Becky had been passionate about helping others, and that through her work has improved the lives of some of the most marginalised period in the world.