Zambian children to benefit from Jo's legacy

Jul 7 2009 By Rupert Basham

Jo Harris

FAMILY and friends of a Chertsey woman who died of skin cancer are raising money in her memory for a Zambian school.

Jo Harris lost her battle to skin cancer, aged 30, in 2008, and one year on as a tribute, those who knew her best are supporting the Malimba school in Eastern Zambia, which she worked tirelessly for.

Since Jo's (or Jojo, as she was known) death last July, family and friends formed charity Make Me Smile, which has to date raised £9,000 for the school.

It is hoping to raise even more by holding an African themed event, this Saturday (July 11) at University Vandals rugby club, in Walton Lane, Weybridge.

Jo's mother, Jacqui Harris, said: "She was an African babe, and she loved working over there. She was very involved in the school and the whole idea of doing this, is to carry forward what Jojo was doing. It is for her as much as it is for the school."

When she was 19, Jo was first confronted with cancer, as she was diagnosed with having a malignant melanoma tumour, which was quickly operated on.

Unfortunately Jo found another lump in 2005, which was diagnosed as another tumour. Despite looking into Gerson therapy, which is the use of chemical free and organic treatment, she died at her family home in Chertsey.

She had worked in Africa since she was 21, and had left her biology course at Imperial College, London to work there, which is where her bond for the school began.

Jacqui, said: "Soon after Jojo died, we opened a bank account for the all money that was given on the day of her funeral. There was quite a lot from very generous people, she was that sort of person, who had contacts all over the world. We decided on a name, Make Me Smile, and wanted to put the money to good use. With the money we have sent, a dining hall has been opened and hopefully after this event we will be able to open another classroom."

The event, which is hoping to raise in the region of £10,000 is an African themed party, featuring a Zambian chamber choir and a safari holiday raffle.

Tickets cost £35 and are available by visiting www.makemesmile.org.uk