Honouring a Legacy: A Mother’s Tribute to Her Daughter Through Charity

In a poignant commemoration of what would have been Rebecca Dykes' 38th birthday, her mother, Jane Houng, has found a way to turn personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Rebecca, known affectionately as Becky, was tragically murdered in Beirut in 2017 while working on humanitarian projects for Syrian refugees. In a significant gesture of solidarity, Jane marked the occasion by supporting 35 young refugees, along with five teachers from the Bourj Hammoud Adventist Learning Centre, to participate in a 5k fun run linked to Beirut’s annual marathon.

Jane, whose charity Becky’s Button distributes personal safety alarms to vulnerable groups, expressed, “My Becky was the manager of projects for Syrian refugees at the British embassy. Her birthday coincided with the run. I imagine her smiling in heaven.” By covering the children's transportation and registration costs, the charity has facilitated an empowering experience, allowing these young individuals to partake in an event usually inaccessible due to financial constraints.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond the joy of participation; it also serves as a reminder of the obstacles that refugees often face in Lebanon. Many of these children lack even the basic means for day-to-day living, let alone the resources for recreational activities. Alexis Hurd-Shires, the American principal of the Adventist Learning Centre, emphasised this point, stating, “These kids don’t have the funds for basic living – rent, food, medicine – much less disposable income to do something as simple as taking a bus somewhere.”

The Beirut Marathon Association, which orchestrates the run, plays a vital role in unifying a city marked by division. Their ethos, captured in the slogan “One heart, one race,” fosters a spirit of collective hope that transcends communities, allowing participants, including refugees, to experience camaraderie and belonging. For these children, donning a race shirt transforms their identity for the day; they become “simply a runner,” shedding the societal labels imposed upon them.

Rebecca Dykes’ story is not merely a narrative of loss; it is also about the continued impact of her life’s work, which resonated deeply within her community at the British embassy and beyond. Her death sent ripples throughout the diplomatic community, igniting conversations about safety, especially for women in vulnerable situations. Just months after her untimely death, the investigation led to the arrest and eventual conviction of an Uber driver who confessed to the crime. Despite being handed a death sentence, the realities of Lebanon's legal system imply that the sentence may not be carried out, as executions have not occurred in the country since 2004.

In honouring Becky, the charity’s efforts aim to continue her legacy of empowerment, focusing not only on aiding refugees but also on preventing violence against women—a cause she passionately advocated. Jane Houng has expressed her hope that by supporting initiatives like the fun run, her daughter’s spirit will live on, impacting lives in a meaningful way.

As the sun set on May 1, Beirut's marathon celebrated not just athleticism but resilience, reflecting a community coming together in love and remembrance. In doing so, Jane and her charity illuminate a path forward—a testament to the belief that even in the face of unimaginable sorrow, one can create ripples of change that inspire hope and healing.

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Source: Noah Wire Services