London Orpheus Philharmonic Orchestra

The Derek Bailey Foundation (UK Registered Charity no: 1079492) was formed in March 2000 after already completing some 7 years of work. Its objective is to relieve the need, hardship and distress and to promote education and healthcare of the people of Nyofelleh and the surrounding villages in the Gambia, West Africa.

“If we can somehow fund the necessary additional building work at the Medical Centre, facilities and medicines, the clinic can be developed to provide a higher level of care for many more people – particularly children,” said Stephen Leadbetter, Trustee.

“Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for those who need more than eye ointment or simple medication. Maternity care, vaccinations, a wider use of drugs, a proper programme for teaching self-help health care, a link into The Gambia medical system for surgery and more – all could be possible.”

The new medical centre is of immediate concern. Originally intended as a low profile dispensary, its completion has exposed a need for basic medical care which is far greater, and over a wider area, than was ever realised. There is a growing number of would-be patients asking for help – it already deals with well over 8000 patient visits per year. The Nyofelleh ambulance has saved many lives – especially those of the young when the time to get hospitalisation is so critical.

The Foundation is different from many charities - it is small and highly focussed. It is very much a ‘hands-on' Charity, involving regular visits to The Gambia to understand problems and to ensure that all funds are spent in the best interests of the people there. Every penny donated goes directly towards projects to help the people of Nyofelleh. There are no administration costs of any kind charged to the Charity. It has already built a school in the town which has proved a much bigger success than ever envisaged.