Edith’s Dream UK began with a simple yet profound vision. Founded in 2012 by Edith Focho, a nurse based in Weston-Super-Mare, our charity is rooted in Edith’s deep desire to give back to the community where she was born in Cameroon, Africa. Growing up in an underprivileged area, Edith experienced firsthand the challenges faced by people living in rural communities, particularly when it comes to healthcare.
Edith moved to the UK in 2003 and successfully continued her career as a registered nurse. Her life blossomed in many ways, but she never forgot her roots. In 2006, she had a vivid dream where her late grandmother reminded her of her duty to the people she had left behind. This dream reignited Edith’s passion to make a difference and eventually led to the creation of Edith’s Dream UK.
Making the Dream a Reality
THE GRACE FOUNDATION TRUST HEALTH CENTRE
With the help of Nikki Burns, one of our founding trustees, Edith’s vision began to take shape. Together, they set out to build healthier, safer communities in the villages and towns of the Momo division, the Northwest region of Cameroon, focusing on providing access to affordable healthcare and education.
In April 2012, the Grace Foundation Trust was set up in Mbengwi, Cameroon, to support this mission on the ground. A rented bungalow was acquired and adapted to provide The Grace Foundation Trust Health Centre, accommodating essential medical departments.
Outpatient clinic
Maternity and children’s wards
Surgical suite
Pharmacy
Accident and Emergency
Laboratory
With the partnership of the UK charity, Edith’s Dream UK, some of the most pressing health issues faced by rural communities, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and many more are tackled in the health centre. We focus on prevention, education, and ensuring people can access the healthcare they desperately need before it’s too late.
Patients waiting to see the doctor
Solar panels are vital to support our electricity supply. Outages can happen at any time which are disruptive for operations, the use of medical devices and household equipment.
Why We Do What We Do?
In many rural parts of Cameroon, medical care is a luxury few can afford. People often turn to traditional herbalists first, only seeking medical attention when their conditions have become severe. Preventable diseases claim the lives of young adults, leaving children in the care of grandparents or older siblings. This often results in interrupted education, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity.
The Trustees of Edith’s Dream UK are working to break this cycle. We are a small team of volunteers, with minimal costs for administration, dedicated to providing essential healthcare services and educating communities on disease prevention. More than 95% of all donations are helping build stronger, healthier futures for generations to come Learn more.
Join Us
At Edith’s Dream UK, we believe that together, we can change lives. With your help, we can continue to support rural communities in Cameroon, providing healthcare that is affordable and effective. Every donation, volunteer, and word of support brings us one step closer to building a better future for those in need.
Explore our annual reports and newsletters to learn more about the work we do and how you can be a part of Edith’s Dream.