Volunteer finds her ancestor commemorated in Sierra Leone

A retired teacher from Oxfordshire has paid a visit to Freetown, Sierra Leone with Mission Direct to come face to face with a bust of her great grandfather.

Retired teacher Sue Hookaway is the great granddaughter of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton who fought for the abolition of slavery with William Wilberforce in the 19th Century, picking up the baton after Wilberforce’s retirement. He was responsible for passing the bill abolishing slavery in 1833.    - Soon after this Freetown was founded as a colony for freed slaves returning to their home continent.

The bust is prominently placed at the entrance of Freetown Cathedral. Sue managed to sneak a look at it while she was on a Mission Direct Teaching Teams project.

“There was actually a wedding on at the time, but I managed to beg for a couple of minutes with my great granddad.” laughed Sue “It was a very moving moment. I would like to think he would approve; knowing that, in a small way, I am following in the family tradition. I‘m looking forward to making another visit with Mission Direct in the next year.”

Curious readers can also see an image of Sir Thomas on the reverse side of the current five pound note - to the far left, along with another of Sue’s ancestors: Buxton’s sister Elizabeth Fry.

To learn more about Mission Direct Teaching Teams click here To learn about forthcoming trips to Sierra Leone click here.