They held a Christmas party in 2002 for 80 orphans and later began to prepare food parcels for them each month. Word got round and more children asked for help - despite spiralling numbers they never turn a hungry child away. As the project grew they quit their jobs and work tirelessly without payment to feed these orphans.

Their enthusiasm is infectious and having seen the amazing project myself we pledged to feed 250 of their orphans to reduce the burden on them. They really care for these children; the children have Chadd's mobile number and he has been known to drive in the middle of the night to help a child who sent a 'please help' text when a sibling was sick and needed to get to hospital. His "nothing is impossible" attitude is incredible and he barely sleeps because it is a waste of time; always out of bed at 4am ready to start the day and do more for orphaned children.

Chadd was killed in a motorbike accident on Monday - he was in his early 30's and leaves Kate and their two boys aged 3 and 1.

Although I knew Chadd for less than a year, the couple became close friends and I am devastated. In September, Chadd drove a group of us on the treacherous route up the Sani Pass from South Africa into Lesotho. He came to our orphanage and spent a day with the older boys fixing their bikes and achieved legendary status in their eyes. Chadd was an incredible person who achieved so much in his short life - he truly was one of the very few people who are utterly indispensable and his death has thrown the project into chaos. Kate must continue to feed all these needy children as well as come to terms with her terrible loss.

Whilst practical help is key at the moment and we are trying to get our contacts from Lesotho to help with the logistics of the project in the coming weeks, the project's long term financial security has been rocked with the loss of Chadd who in addition to delivering the project, secured funds to enable their work. Kate will need our support more than ever, and we are looking at making an immediate leap and supporting an additional 100 of their intake to relieve the strain on her. With rising food prices we are already spending about £2,000 a month to fulfil our promise to them and this will increase to £2,800 with the extra children we must help Kate with.

I'm not just holding out the begging bowl and asking you to react to an emergency! In 2007 Chadd climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness of his project. I have been contemplating doing the climb for years now, and decided against it for lots of what now seem silly reasons - could I do it? Could I raise enough money? Just how cold is -15 degrees, the night time temperature! I've now realised it's a fitting tribute to Chadd to adopt his get on with it attitude and do it. I will be climbing Kilimanjaro on September 29th 2010. Please sponsor me at www.bmycharity.com/chaddbain

Although the climb is not until September there is a huge sense of urgency which is why I am emailing now - our expenditure will increase by £800 a month immediately to reflect our new commitment to Chadd's orphans. The money that you start pledging will filter through to them almost as soon as you hit the donate button. This is the best way to honour Chadd's life and the great things he achieved and to make sure that the incredible work he's started can continue.

A little goes such a long way .... please help.

Thank you,

Lucy