Gabby Logan becomes Microloan Foundation Patron

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Chiswick's superstar sports presenter supports local charity

Superstar sports presenter, broadcaster and journalist Gabby Logan has agreed to become the MicroLoan Foundation (MLF)’s third patron, joining Bob Geldof and the Rt Rev Michael Colclough, Bishop of Kensington.

Heavily pregnant Gabby, who is currently in the process of moving from MLF’s heartland of Chiswick to Esher, said: “I have always been interested in understanding more about the issues faced by poor communities in Africa, and what we in the developed world can best do to help. It struck me that the MicroLoan Foundation has got it right on a number of counts.

"Firstly, the money goes directly to those who most desperately need it, without passing through government or other agencies on the way. Secondly, it creates self-sustainable livelihoods for people which must surely be the most dignified long-term solution to poverty. And finally, as a charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers in the UK, you know that what you donate to them goes straight to those who need it most.”

MLF managing trustee Peter Ryan said “We are naturally thrilled that Gabby has agreed to be a patron. Thanks to the continued support of people in West London the charity is going from strength to strength, with almost 4,000 loans made to date, and four offices up and running in central Malawi. But we can’t afford to rest on our laurels with so many more desperately poor communities needing our help, and we are delighted that Gabby is going to help us continue to grow. We will be launching a special appeal this Autumn to find more volunteers to support our development plans.”

The MicroLoan Foundation is a UK registered charity number 1104287.

July 15, 2005