Burton-based Wendy Haines Travel has taken a group to Kenya to see for themselves the impact of the work by UK-registered charity The Footprints Family, also with Burton roots
Wendy’s Wanderers (Wanderers) – group trips led by the namesake of Wendy Haines Travel or one of her team – recently travelled to Kenya for an adventure brimming with remarkable wildlife encounters, unforgettable shared experiences, and the strong sense of camaraderie the Wanderers trips have become renowned for. However, perhaps the most meaningful moment didn’t come on the safari tracks.
On Friday 6th February, the group visited The Footprints Family (Footprints), a UK-registered charity dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in rural Kenya by providing essential services such as shelter, clothing, education, healthcare, and food. The visit came as a special part of the Wanderers itinerary, offering travellers the opportunity to see for themselves the impact of the charity that has roots in Wendy’s hometown of Burton-on-Trent.
Burton born and bred Kerry Watson is the founder of The Footprints Family. She begun her work in Kenya as a volunteer in 2007 and was so touched by the resilience of children living without basic support that she went on to launch what is now known as Mama Kerry’s Place, a safe and supportive space that sits at the beneath the Shimba Hills. Since 2008, the charity has been providing food, healthcare, and long-term support to children and young people, without any government funding.
The Wanderers arrived with three suitcases in tow, filled with supplies and donations for the children, collected in the UK. Wendy herself was unable to attend the visit in person; however she joined the group via FaceTime alongside Kerry, which allowed everyone to share the experience together in real time.
Kerry said: “It has been incredibly special to welcome Wendy’s Wanderers to Footprints on their trip. To watch our Footprints children and staff with people from my own town and show them what 18 years of faith, perseverance, and love has built is incredibly special. This visit reminded me that Footprints has always been a shared journey, from home to here.
“Knowing that people from my local community have travelled to bring wonderful donations of much-needed items and see the impact of 18 years of work first-hand is deeply moving and affirming. Their visit highlights the powerful link between local communities in the UK and the lives being transformed here in Kenya.”
The experience was valuable for the children at the facility, but it was also truly one-of-a-kind for the Wanderers.
Speaking of the experience, one of the Wanderers said: “Footprints was a very humbling experience, but it was also amazing to see the children being given such a great opportunity to go to a school where they are looked after and supported throughout their childhood. A truly joyous place where they are also taught how to be independent and learn skills that will help them in their adult lives, such as structure and how to take care of themselves. Our children really do not know how lucky they are.”
Another Wanderer commented: “Our visit to Footprints, it was lovely to see a group of children safe, supported, being educated and gaining life skills. A privilege to visit and see the work being invested to change lives.”
Equally moved, another added: “The visit to Footprints was so emotional from start to finish, from the welcome dance by the children, the interaction with the children throughout their day. Lucky for us, we went on their fun day of the month. Seeing them so happy made my heart melt. Anyone considering this trip, just do it. You will never regret it and will have long-lasting memories, as I do.”
Wendy described the visit as “just the beginning of a valued friendship and collaboration” between Wendy Haines Travel, Wendy’s Wanderers, and The Footprints Family.
On Wendy’s part, the trip stands within a long-standing commitment to charitable causes, in addition to her ongoing work with Me and Dee. She has also pledged to donate proceeds from future bookings toward The Footprints Family and is already looking into opportunities for volunteering and ongoing support.
And the Wanderers’ involvement didn’t end there – Since returning home, they have been organising raffle events and coffee mornings in fundraising efforts, all in support of a charity that relies entirely on the kind generosity of individuals and communities.
For everyone involved, the experience offered a profound perspective on what makes travel so much more than just seeing new places – It’s about connection, understanding, and coming together to make an incredible difference, both abroad and back home.