"Walk with Muthukad: Change lives thru BMCF" fundraising appeal by Shiju Chacko

Hi, I am Shiju Chacko,from Llandudno, Wales, Registered nurse specialising in learning disability and mental health; Director of Fortis Healthcare Ltd and Forti Bags.As a long-time friend of renowned magician and humanitarian Gopinath Muthukad, and a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience and leadership in healthcare, I share his passion for improving the lives of children with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, having seen firsthand how lack of support and standards can limit their true potential. My 13‑year‑old son Christopher (affectionately called Kichu) has autism, and raising him has strengthened my commitment. The “Walk with Muthukad” campaign organised by the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) is a perfect platform for me to align my personal mission with the charitable goals of my friend.My greatest inspiration is my son, Kichu. Watching him navigate the world as an autistic teenager has shown me both the beauty and the challenges of living with neurodiversity. I want every child like him to have opportunities for education, therapy and creative expression. Knowing that a three‑mile charity walk through Leicester’s Beacon Hill Park will culminate in an evening of magic, music and motivation makes me want to do my part. Finally, my professional background as a nurse and my migration from India to the UK give me the perspective to see how implementing international standards in India can transform lives. I want to help bridge that gap. The walk is both a personal tribute and a public pledge. Personally, it is a way for me to honour my son and every child living with learning disabilities and mental health issues. It represents hope, love and determination. Publicly, it is my pledge to stand alongside families, carers and professionals who are fighting for better resources. Walking as a single candidate symbolises that each of us can make a difference. The day’s events from the walk to the evening of magic are a reminder that joy and compassion can coexist with advocacy.Yes. Over the years I have taken part in several charity initiatives. I played a key role in a sky‑diving fundraiser organised by British Malayali to support various charitable causes. I have also been involved in potential protests calling attention to fair salaries for nurses in Kerala, India, because I believe that supporting healthcare workers ultimately benefits patients. Through Fortis Healthcare I have organised and supported numerous community health programmes. These experiences taught me the power of collective action and prepared me for this campaign.Every child deserves to be valued and included. Even a small contribution can create ripples of change. Participants in this walk are asked to raise at least £100; this may seem modest, but when combined, these efforts build a legacy. I encourage everyone to join us – whether by walking, donating or spreading the word and to remember that by walking with our hearts, we can give children the support and respect they deserve.I hope my participation will inspire others to get involved. By sharing my family’s story and my professional experience, I aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by neurodiverse children and their families. I intend to leverage my healthcare background to help implement international standards of care in India and to build networks that can sustain this work beyond the event. "BMCF M'Cube Magic Moments" With the collective strength of the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) and the UK DAC Chapter along with generous individuals like you, we believe real change is within the reach. With gratitude Shiju Chacko