by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

The memory of a man killed in the Haiti earthquake two years ago will live on in a sporting tribute.

Thousands have been raised to help disabled athletes achieve their sporting ambitions in tribute to Frederick Wooldridge, from West Peckham.

The 41-year-old had worked for the United Nations for 20 years and was working in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince when the earthquake struck in 2010.

The disaster claimed the lives of more than 300,000 people.

Following the tragedy, his family discovered the project The Dream, which aims to bring disabled athletes from the country to London to compete in the Paralympics this summer.

More than 80 people, all from the West Peckham and Kings Hill areas, recently gathered at his cousin Mike’s offices in Kings Hill for a fundraising evening.

It raised £3,000 with an auction, raffle and pledges, and a further £1,000 has been pledged by supporters unable to attend on the night.

Harry Wooldridge, his father, said: “Frederick was committed to helping developing countries to build better futures for their peoples. The Dream does just that. This is a positive campaign I am supporting to help in a small way overcome the damage caused that terrible day.”

The Dream, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, wants to buy the TV rights to the Games, so that they can be shown back in the athletes’ home country.

Its overall commitment is to leave a lasting legacy in Haiti with a disability sports centre, funded by the UN, and providing future competitive opportunities for paralympic athletes beyond the Games.

Frederick's cousin Mike Wooldridge added: “I am really keen to try and help at least one, and hopefully two, Haitian athletes to compete in the Paralympics this year. No one has competed for Haiti in the past and it will take a very strong message and hopefully assist to create a legacy back in Haiti.”

The family are hosting another fundraising event on Friday, June 29, from 7.30 pm at Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

For details on the campaign visit www.haitidream.org or for further details of the event on June 29, email info@haitidream.org or call Jo Taylor on 07783435956.