As the Founder and President of the Tafida Raqeeb Foundation, my journey has been one of profound challenge, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Above all, I am Tafida’s mother, and since 2019, I have devoted my life to her care in Italy. Despite being physically away from the UK, my heart remains firmly with the children and families who need our support.

The Tafida Raqeeb Foundation was born out of a realization, one that no parent should ever have to face. In 2019, when Tafida suffered a sudden and devastating brain injury, doctors in the UK made the decision to withdraw her life support, believing there was no hope for her recovery. But as her mother, I knew I had to fight for her life. No parent should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain of being told their child’s care will be withdrawn, without any real chance to explore alternatives. After an agonising legal battle, Tafida was finally allowed to receive treatment in Italy.

Through this painful experience, I discovered firsthand the severe lack of suitable rehabilitation facilities for children in the UK. No family should have to fight this hard just to give their child a chance at life. That is why I founded this organisation: to bring real change, ensuring that every child with a brain injury has access to the rehabilitation and medical support they deserve.

My work has never stopped; in fact, it has only intensified. I also provide pro bono legal support to families, advocating for systemic changes that will protect vulnerable children. Beyond the UK, my efforts extend to Bangladesh, where I am pioneering initiatives to provide life-saving medical treatment to underprivileged children.

One of the most urgent issues I am tackling is the way critically ill children and their families are treated in the UK. Too often, parents find themselves sidelined, their voices diminished in life or death decisions about their own children. This is unacceptable. Through the Tafida Raqeeb Foundation, we are actively campaigning for policy reforms that will prevent families from being forced into unnecessary legal battles. Parents should be supported, not treated as adversaries. The government must invest in paediatric rehabilitation and create a system where families and doctors work together not against each other for the best interests of the child.

This foundation is not just my fight and it is a collective effort. I am deeply grateful to my dedicated team, whose passion and hard work drive our mission forward. And to our donors and supporters: you are the backbone of this cause. Your generosity allows us to continue advocating for families, building essential services, and ensuring that no child is left behind. We are always looking for people to join us. We welcome you to be part of our mission and take the next step in advancing our shared goals.

We are making a difference and we will continue to fight for every child’s right to care, dignity, and a future.

Shelina Begum

Founder & President