Two years on Katie is still making a difference

From Watson Wyatt's Eurotalk

When Kate Ashbridge died from a sudden brain haemorrhage in May 2007, aged 25, those of us who knew her suffered an overwhelming sense of loss, together with total shock that one so young and so full of life could be taken from us. But strangely, we took some comfort from the fact she had accomplished so much in such a short time.

Kate had joined our London office as a graduate three yearsearlier and was progressing quickly towards qualifying as an actuary. She was popular with colleagues and clients and dedicated to delivering to deadlines. But far from being a stereotypical actuary, Kate (Katie to her friends) spent her spare time playing rugby, singing in a choir and partying far harder than her colleagues could believe as they struggled to keep pace.
Katie's zest for life and desire to make a difference had led her to spend three months of her gap year in Villa Maria, one of the many shanty towns on the outskirts of Lima. She worked for
Quest4Change a charity which provides housing, education and support for some of the poorest children in Peru (and indeed the world).

Two years on and Katie is still making a difference to their lives. Since 2007 her family and friends have raised over £10,000 for the project (which means 20 new houses in Villa Maria!). We recently played our part at Watson Wyatt by organising a cake sale in our London office in aid of the Quest Charitable Trust – we raised a staggering £3,500. While the quality of our baking undoubtedly played its part, the success was due to the exceptional generosity of London associates. The cake sale came on the back of a sponsored walk last year and in anticipation of a
Peruvian themed event we plan to hold later this year.

What might Katie make of all this? Probably embarrassed by the attention and certainly grateful for the support. But we can’t help hearing her say "great cake sale Andrew; but not enough

rum in your rum cake!"