Greetings everyone once more! In a couple of recent blogs, I have hinted that there is something happening in the background here at Friends of Pakati. Today I can introduce briefly a new person on our team…
A very warm welcome to Friends of Pakati to Cuan Forrest! Below is a short piece by & about Cuan, who I only met very recently at our stall during the Scunthorpe United Community Day on 22nd March.
He had sought out the stall specifically to offer support to us in any way he can – something we are going to take him up on for sure! Our podcast host, Bradley Mell, and I are meeting him on 15th April to discuss things at length, with a podcast/vlog to follow soon after. In the meantime, have a read, & please share it across platforms with your contacts.
Friends of Pakati – Introduction
“I first discovered Friends of Pakati through their remarkable work supporting students at Pakati Schools in Zimbabwe. Meeting Chris, his son, and their colleagues at Scunthorpe United’s Community Day was a turning point that deepened my understanding of their mission. Since then, Chris and I have maintained regular contact, and I’m passionate about helping them achieve their fundraising goals and advance their important work.
My connection to Zimbabwe runs deep. My grandmother, Julia Edwards, was born in Mukarakate in the Murewa district, while my grandfather Charles Langton Edwards owned the Shiri Yekutanga Bus Company operating throughout the Murewa District during the 1950s and 60s. My family lived in Arcadia, Salisbury (now Harare), and my father’s family hails from Ashington in Northumberland. My father was working as an engineer in what was then Rhodesia when he met my mother. I was born there before my parents and I relocated to the UK in 1979.
These family ties to the region make Friends of Pakati’s mission especially meaningful to me. Their work resonates profoundly with my heritage, and I’m eager to contribute more significantly to their cause.
Beyond our shared geographical connections, we also share a passion for football, particularly Scunthorpe United. This past season, I’ve had the privilege of supporting this extraordinary club in its ambition to achieve promotion to the National League and ultimately reclaim a position back in the EFL. The dedication and commitment I’ve witnessed from the owners, management team, players, and staff has been truly inspirational. I’m confident they’ll restore the club to it’s rightful place, on behalf of the fans and the wider Scunthorpe community.
My own football background harks back to the early 90’s includes playing at Nottingham Forest at both youth and professional levels, and an offer to represent Zimbabwe internationally. Interestingly, some of the players who were at Forest during my time, including Brian Laws and Chris Hope, went on to have successful careers at Scunthorpe United. During a loan period at Lincoln City, I commuted daily with Ian Barraclough, who later played for and managed Scunthorpe United.
With these interconnected threads between Zimbabwe, football, and Scunthorpe United, supporting Friends of Pakati feels like a natural calling. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to their mission and look forward to helping in any meaningful way I can.”
Footnote – Cuan sent me this shortly afterwards:
“Hi Chris, just sent you a who’s who, they are my friends kids, yes on the day my mum and dad were there but for some reason my dad never made it onto any photographs as he spent most of the time in the Iron bar with his friends 😂”
Let’s see what comes out of our meeting!