• About us
• Our Patron
• Meet the team
• Our history
• Publications

Our Patron

In 2006, we were honoured that our long-standing supporter and friend Nick Marple agreed to become Stand Up For Africa's first Patron. Nick lives in London with his wife Sophie.

Interview with Nick Marple, SUFA Patron

Q: How did you feel when you were invited to be SUFA's first Patron?

Nick: Daunted. Doing speeches is not my forte! But then I felt really honoured.

Q: You've recently travelled to Ghana - can you tell us about your experiences there?

Nick: I have a Ghanaian friend, Eddie Amakoh, who came to England when he was 11, and went back for a visit after 20 years. I went with him, and we visited his family and the schools he attended as a child.

The people were so welcoming and I felt right at home. I was overwhelmed with their generosity and, despite their poverty, they did not ask for anything. They were entrepreneurs, being proactive with the little they had. It made me realise that a little goes a long way.

We visited a village where some of my friend's relatives lived. We really didn't want to take anything from them, since they had so little but they insisted on giving us fruit and made us feel like we were returning heroes. It was very emotional and inspiring.

One father couldn't afford to send his children to school but he also didn't see the value in their being educated. However, his kids often put on their school uniforms as they were so eager to learn, and it was sad to know that they didn't attend school simply because they couldn't afford the fees.

Kids in Southern Ghana are considered less disadvantaged than kids in the northern region, and therefore have to pay to go to school (northern Ghanaians have free or subsidised education). We decided to pay the children's school fees: the amount was so little for us.

Q: Why did you start supporting SUFA?

Nick: I had come into a bit of money that I wanted to donate and help a small charity make a big impact. I also wanted to help raise Africa's profile.

SUFA supports projects that are led by Africans and that already show potential. Through SUFA projects, Africans are empowered and can show that they are fully able to play a role in their own development rather than having an outsider tell them how to do it. The more I found out about SUFA, the more I believed in it.

Q: Why do you particularly want to support disadvantaged children and young people?

Nick: When I was in Africa, I saw how friendly and enthusiastic the kids are - even with so few resources. But they struggle so much and lose their potential. Many older people don't see the importance of education but the kids are so eager to learn, proudly wearing their uniforms and attending schools that lack the minimum resources, such as chalks, school books and separate classrooms for different ages, to teach them properly.

Q: How do you believe your support will help SUFA's work to eradicate poverty and suffering in Africa?

Nick: Because SUFA works at a micro level and is African led, all the projects it supports have the local knowledge, will and enthusiasm that are necessary for success. I know that my support and contributions will go a long way.

top of page