PUPILS who attended Cowley in the 1980s and 1990s are being invited to gather for a reunion organised by an ex-schoolboy rugby player who now leads charity projects in Africa.

Shaun Graham hopes the event at Saints’ Langtree Park will reconnect old pals and raise funds to help disadvantaged children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The 39-year-old father-of-four has lived in Africa for five years, helping youngsters living in desperate poverty, after getting a taste for missionary work.

He looks back fondly on his old school days, and decided to arrange a reunion to coincide with a visit to his home town.

Shaun told the Star: “I attended Cowley from 1984 to 1991 and enjoyed my time there, especially playing first team rugby from 1988 to 1991.

“We will be hosting a ‘Reunion with a Differenc’e. At the heart of the event will be a fundraiser for a project called Klabu ya Watoto wa Salasala (The Children’s Club of Salasala), which works with disadvantaged kids.

“Our aim is to gather with old friends, raise the profile of these children in Tanzania and some money that will go towards buying sports clothing and equipment.”

Old pals and teachers will be gathering in the Players’ Lounge at Langtree Park on Friday, July 13.

Shaun added: “Ray French (ex-Cowley rugby master and teacher) will be a guest speaker, and we will also be joined by Clive Griffiths (former PE teacher), current head coach at Crusaders RL.

“We will also be joined by a member of the Saints first team. We welcome all ex-Cowley pupils from the 1980s to 1990s.”

Tickets are £5 and profits will go towards the project in Tanzania.

Shaun said: “We provide a place of recreation and mentor children through sports, creative arts and other educational activities.

“We have more than 250 children. Most are very poor – some are living in a disused quarry in mud-baked homes without power, running water and basic sanitation.

“Our long-term goal is to build a sports and creative arts community centre among this community that would serve to mentor a generation of kids.”

Contact Shaun on 07804 213494 or e-mail shaun@fatherheart.co.uk for information and tickets.

Shaun is also seeking businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating raffle prizes.