About Us
We are committed to reducing maternal deaths through practical support, Maternal Medical Kits, and access to essential healthcare.
About Forster Charity
Forster Charity is dedicated to preventing maternal and neonatal deaths by providing urgent medical care. We focus on the most vulnerable mothers and babies across the globe, especially those in areas where medical complications during and after childbirth are prevalent.
We have created Medical Maternal Kits, which we ship to places where women are still dying from complications due to childbirth.
A Wake-Up Call
In March 2023, our team’s journey to Sierra Leone revealed the harsh realities surrounding maternal health. At the PCMH in Freetown, we witnessed the tireless dedication of staff and the resilience of mothers, all in the face of extremely limited resources.
Our visit to Maisaka, a village in the Port Loko District, exposed the critical challenges women face during pregnancy — including infections and postpartum hemorrhage — in an area with no nearby hospital or medical facility for emergencies.
These powerful stories, shared by expectant mothers and nurses on the ground, deepened our understanding of what’s truly needed: more medical support, equipment, and consistent resources. But to make a meaningful difference, we need your support. By donating, you’re not just giving — you’re becoming part of a movement to create a safer, healthier future for mothers in Sierra Leone.
Track Your Impact
Our MMK Kits are assembled here in the UK to ensure high-quality control over every single item inside. Each kit is assigned a unique QR code, and here’s the exciting part: just like tracking a special delivery, our system allows you to follow exactly where your donated kit is — from the UK to Sierra Leone.
We’ve developed custom software that lets you see where your maternity safety kit is at every stage. For example, when it leaves Heathrow, you’ll know when it arrives in Sierra Leone and, most importantly, when it’s delivered to a mother.
Impact You Can See
Through our platform, you’ll be able to log in, see her photo, her name, and her story — knowing that your donation has directly impacted her life in a real and personal way.
In today’s world, where many charities have lost public trust, we’re doing things differently. This system was built to restore that trust — providing transparency, accountability, and real-time data. You’ll see, without a doubt, that your support is saving the life of a mother and her child.
Where is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has made progress in reducing maternal mortality over the past two decades, but the situation remains critical. Despite a significant drop in maternal deaths since 2000, the country still faces severe challenges due to a deeply under-resourced healthcare system.
Why Sierra Leone Needs Us
Progress, But Not Enough
A Global Crisis in Numbers
Our Team
Shireen Forster – Founder
I’ve always felt a deep pull to help people. It started when I was 17, volunteering with Noah’s Ark Charity — that’s when I truly began to understand how great the need is, and how powerful simply showing up can be.
In 2018, I took a bit of a wild turn and joined the Metropolitan Police as a Special Constable. That experience taught me so much about London — the good, the bad, and everything in between. I saw how different communities lived, struggled, and thrived. It completely shaped how I see the world today.
Fast forward to 2020 — I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to do more. That’s when I began a school project in a region heavily affected by the 2005 earthquake. Education is everything — it literally changes lives. I focused on children under 10, with the hope of planting seeds that could grow into a brighter future for an entire generation.
For me, this isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about real people, real stories, and doing what I can to make a real difference.
Mr. Alwin Puthenpurakal FRSA FHEA – CEO & Medical Director
Alwin is a dynamic, results-driven leader with extensive experience in both healthcare and higher education. With a strong background in senior management, service leadership, and organisational transformation, he has successfully led numerous initiatives focused on improving healthcare quality, reducing health inequalities, future-proofing the workforce, and enhancing operational efficiency.
He is currently pursuing a part-time PhD in global health systems and health policy — his area of research and passion. Alwin blends strategic thinking with evidence-based action and measurable impact. As CEO of Forster Charity, he brings a collaborative and outcomes-focused approach to leadership, with a deep commitment to meaningful, long-lasting change in the charity sector.