When David Spurdle, Stand by Me Founding Director, visited a church in 2007 to speak about the work of Stand by Me, he met Dr Janet Dacie. At the time, David had no idea the impact that Janet would have on Stand by Me through her sponsorship, support and dedication to being an advocate. At the end of 2025, while Janet was in St Francis Hospice receiving end-of-life care, she recounted her journey of involvement with Stand by Me.
With ongoing civil war in Myanmar many displaced children have had everything taken away from them, their safety, homes, education and their future. Our staff at the Sophia Project are keen to see every child, not just the ones we care for, succeed and distributed stationery to over 200 displaced children. One father, Lwin shared a heart warming message of thanks.
When Kiya was given a place at school, her mother “laughed all the way home.” Kiya lives with her mum, Meseret, and her younger brother in a small mud home. A few years ago, Kiya’s father became ill and despite receiving treatment, he passed away leaving a huge hole in the family.
Myanmar, where we care for over 2,200 children, continues to be ravaged by war. In the north, families live under the constant threat of aerial bombardment, where schools, churches and homes can be struck without warning. As conflict intensifies, for thousands the only choice has been to flee.