Latest news with #Sarra
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- General
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #398 : From Belgium to Morocco, Sarra El Messaoudi celebrates our migrant heritage
Born in Brussels, Sarra El Messaoudi grew up with her two brothers and sister in a distinctly cosmopolitan city. Yet during her primary school years, she was often the only student from a diverse background. Her mother, a Belgian nurse, and her father, an interior designer from Bouyafa near Nador, were always deeply involved in their children's education. Today, the young journalist looks back on that time with pride, remembering herself as always being «top of the class». «I was lucky to have a mother who had the tools to support us with our studies and homework at home. I know not everyone has that privilege, but her help allowed me to maintain a strong academic performance», Sarra El Messaoudi recalls. She attended schools in the Brussels municipalities of Evere, Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek, where she encountered greater diversity during her middle school years. It was during that period that she began to think about her future, inspired by a growing passion for books and reading. «I developed those skills thanks to my mother, who always kept books around the house. My father, meanwhile, introduced me to calligraphy on a wooden board at home. I've always loved writing and storytelling». A Reflection of Belgium's Diversity Ambitious and grounded from a young age, Sarra El Messaoudi always had a clear sense of direction. «I knew that while I waited to become a writer, I needed to build a stable career. Journalism seemed like the perfect balance between the two», she tells us. At the intersection of personal stories and shared human experiences, her passion for storytelling draws not only from her own life, but also from her family, her community, and her diverse city. «My mother is Belgian through and through. On my father's side, my grandfather came to Belgium from Morocco in the 1960s as part of the labor migration agreement between the two countries. My father joined him later, along with my grandmother, through family reunification. My roots are in those working-class migrant families. We all come from somewhere, and understanding that helps us take ownership of our stories, so we can honor them instead of hiding them». At just 13, Sarra El Messaoudi already had a clear idea of the path she wanted to pursue. She took her first steps into journalism through the print media. After earning a degree in communications and a master's in journalism from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), she joined the editorial staff at La Dernière Heure (DH) before contributing to television news reports for RTBF. Now a journalist, trainer, and speaker, she creates social impact projects and works as a podcast producer and director. Specializing in diversity and inclusion (DEI) and media education (EMI), she is dedicated to promoting «a more inclusive media landscape» based on what she sees and experiences in the field. During her early years in journalism, Sarra was struck by how little the diversity she saw in Brussels was reflected in the media. Television, in particular, felt disconnected from the plurality of experiences lived daily off-screen. «On TV, I rarely saw people who looked like me. First of all, there weren't many women. And those from diverse backgrounds were nearly invisible. The few women who did appear often seemed like they had to apologize for being there». Telling the Stories That Don't Get Told Determined to shift the narrative, Sarra made it her mission to go beyond the reductive ways in which stories of diversity and migration are often presented, as short, one-and-a-half-minute news pieces. She wants to «interview a broader range of people and improve how these topics are handled». She contributes to Les Grenades, the RTBF media platform that covers current events through a gendered lens. In her search for the right format to tell the stories that make up Brussels' cultural mosaic, Sarra launched a podcast series called Nos Héritages («Our Heritages»). Her goal is to «give voice to all the layers of Belgium's diversity», not just her own binational community. These stories range from triumph and resilience to fragmentation and hardship, each deserving a meaningful space in the media. «As we work on these projects, we realize how little we actually know about our parents' migration journeys», Sarra explains. More than a podcast, the project is driven by a sense of urgency to preserve the undocumented histories of the first generation of migrants. «Our grandparents are passing away, and that whole first generation is disappearing. What's left of them, and of us? There's a real urgency to tell our stories and reclaim those stories in formats that allow space and depth, instead of restricting people to a few minutes or a narrow angle». For Sarra, it's essential that those whose stories are being told feel empowered to speak on more than just cultural or religious issues. «Before the interviews, I have a conversation with each guest to decide which story they want to share. It's a process of both transmission and reclamation», she says. This commitment extends into her volunteer work. As a project leader within the Association for Diversity and Inclusion in the Media (ADIM), she promotes equal opportunity and representation in the media industry. Through ADIM, Sarra organizes workshops, networking events, and peer exchanges «to help women enter the profession and then stay in it», which, as she notes, remains a major challenge in a field still marked by racism, sexism, cyberviolence, and precarity. Her aim is to create a safe space where professionals can speak freely, reflect collectively, and confront the systemic issues facing journalism today. Family Histories and the «Sun Map» of Memory Beyond documenting personal stories through sound, Sarra is also invested in building collective memory in public spaces. She regularly organizes events linked to her podcast projects «to spark conversations and celebrate our cultures». For the 60th anniversary of the Belgium-Morocco labor migration agreement, she dedicated one of her signature projects to the shared memory between the two countries, told by the people who lived it. «I was lucky to carry out an entire project on the Belgian-Moroccan community, including an event in Brussels that brought together over 200 people. We revisited our memories and those of our grandparents, especially with the presence of Mohamedi Ben Yadir, the Moroccan-Algerian author behind what's known as the 'sun map'». This map holds deep meaning for Belgian-Moroccan families. Sarra explains: «Back then, people didn't have GPS to guide them on the road to Morocco for summer holidays. Many families who drove down to Spain would sometimes get lost. To solve this, Mohamedi Ben Yadir created 400 printed maps and distributed them in shops popular with the community. That's how the 'sun map' was born. The tribute in Brussels was deeply emotional for all of us». Following the success of that project, Sarra was invited to turn it into a guided tour in Brussels. «I never thought I'd be doing that one day! The tour was built around excerpts from the podcasts featuring Belgian-Moroccan guests. We revisited the political context of the labor agreement, the social and economic realities of the migrant families, and their grassroots mobilization against racism», she says. It was also a chance to trace earlier histories, starting with Belgium's colonial past, and connect it to current realities, from the rise of far-right ideologies and growing hostility toward immigrants, to Islamophobia and police violence and the question of what makes a person feel at home in Belgium. Through these stories, «people discover one of the country's most significant communities, in a memory project that links the past, the present, and the future». «It's meaningful for older generations to see their stories told, and for younger ones to discover a history they didn't know», Sarra El Messaoudi says with quiet pride.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Chris Hoy's wife kept agonising secret from him and their children still don't know
Chris Hoy's wife kept agonising secret from him and their children still don't know The six-time Olympic champion cyclist was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and announced last year that his condition was terminal, while his wife Sarra has also been battling ill health Sarra Kemp (left), Sir Chris Hoy and Nicole Kidman at Wimbledon (Image: 2025 Karwai Tang ) Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra are in attendance at the men's singles final at Wimbledon today. The pair were sat in the royal box alongside Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman, taking in the action as Yannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz locked horns on Centre Court in the blistering heat. Hoy has been keeping his social media followers updated on his various activities in recent months, posting videos of his cycle rides in Wales. It has, of course, been a heartbreaking year for the Olympian and his family. Hoy recently candidly shared his experience of living with terminal cancer and discussed how he and his wife are managing family life while facing serious health challenges. The celebrated six-time Olympic gold medallist cyclist was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and revealed last year that his condition was terminal, following a scan that detected primary cancer in his prostate which had metastasised to his bones, including his shoulder, pelvis, ribs and spine. Doctors have given Hoy a prognosis of two to four years. Article continues below In a heartbreaking turn of events, his wife Sarra was diagnosed with an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) shortly after Hoy's cancer diagnosis. With two young children, Callum, aged 10, and Chloe, aged seven, Hoy has previously expressed the difficulty in communicating such news to them, labelling it as "an absolute horror" and "a waking nightmare". Despite initial concerns about the effect of his public diagnosis on his children, the 49-year-old now believes that his illness is "not something that really scares them" and feels that his family is "in a nice spot". "Touch wood, it doesn't feel as though they've been massively affected by it," Hoy remarked to The Times, providing an update on his health situation last month. "They've always been a bit frustrated with people coming up, wanting a photograph of Daddy. Now they're like, 'Oh, is it because of the cancer?' "I think they understand that cancer is part of our lives. It's not something that really scares them, they don't really talk about it much, it's just there." While Callum and Chloe are aware of their father's illness, Hoy also disclosed that he and Sarra have chosen not to inform them about her MS diagnosis, stating that she "doesn't want the focus". In fact, Sarra initially kept her condition a secret from her husband as he grappled with his own health issues. The neurological disorder, which impacts the brain and spinal cord, is incurable but can be managed with treatment. "She doesn't talk about it a massive amount," he said when asked how Sarra's condition had influenced their daily life. "I think she's just determined to try and not allow it to get its feet under the table. It fluctuates, so she gets good days and bad days. "When the days are difficult, she doesn't ever admit to it, but clearly the thoughts are, 'Is this the start of a decline? Is this how it's going to be from now on?' It's just, it's very difficult, and she's so stoic and strong, and not willing to ask for sympathy." Regarding their decision not to tell their children, Hoy added: "They know that she's got sore hands sometimes, and I think that's about the extent of it. "If it wasn't for my diagnosis, I think it would be getting a lot more attention, but she likes it that way. She doesn't want the focus, she just wants to crack on." The Team GB legend has previously lauded his wife as "the epitome of selflessness", standing by him following his cancer diagnosis while simultaneously grappling with her own devastating health issues. In his autobiography, he recounts how she underwent a routine MRI scan just a week after his cancer diagnosis to investigate a tingling sensation in her face and tongue, but didn't speak of it for over a month. "Then one evening in December, after our kids Callum and Chloe had gone to bed, Sarra looked serious and said she had something to tell me," he penned. "I realised immediately it was something big as Sarra, always so strong in every situation, was beginning to crumble and struggling to get the words out. 'Do you remember that scan I went for?' she started through tear-filled eyes. 'Well, they think it might be multiple sclerosis'. I immediately broke down, distraught both by the news and the fact she'd received it without me there. "She went on to explain they had called her and told her over a month before. It was so hard to try to compute that she had absorbed the awfulness of this diagnosis alone, without sharing it with me, in order to protect me. I tried to let the words sink in as my mind was spinning, trying to understand what had been happening to her, all while she had been accompanying me to every one of my own hospital appointments." He continued: "She is the epitome of selflessness, putting the kids and me before herself and always doing it through love not obligation. The future is a great unknown for us both now." Reflecting on his feelings after receiving the terminal cancer diagnosis, Hoy shared: "Initially you feel you're never going to tell your kids off again. You want them to only remember you as the perfect father who always says yes if they want an ice cream, or yes if they get on the iPad, or whatever. And you realise that that phase is very short. Article continues below "It feels like the family routine is as it was before, which I think is remarkable, really. That will definitely change, obviously, but I think for now we're just getting on with life, and it just feels like we're in a nice spot."
Leader Live
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Sir Chris Hoy and wife Lady Sarra receive Freedom of the City of London
They have been recognised for charitable work for cancer awareness and neo-natal care, in addition to Sir Chris' sporting achievements as a British track cyclist. The couple, who have been married since 2010, attended a joint ceremony at the Lord Mayor's official residence, The Mansion House, on Thursday. Sir Chris said: 'London will always have a very special place in my heart, being the flag-bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games is an experience that will stay with me forever. 'Every Olympics is special, but nothing quite beats a home Games, and watching the city come together and creating memories in front of such amazing support at what would be my last is something I will never forget. 'It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City; thank you.' Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, 49, revealed in February 2024 he was undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. In October 2024, he announced that his diagnosis was terminal and said he had been told by doctors that he had two to four years to live. As well as six Olympic golds, the Edinburgh-born athlete won 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles by the time he retired from competitive racing in 2013. He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List after his success at the Beijing Olympics. The couple were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, who is chair of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee. Sir Chris and Lady Sarra's son Callum was born at 29 weeks weighing just 2lbs 2oz in 2014, and Lady Sarra, a solicitor from Edinburgh who qualified in Scots and English law, is an ambassador for Bliss – a UK charity for sick and premature babies. Lady Sarra, who spoke on ITV's Lorraine earlier this year about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), said: 'I'm deeply touched and honoured to have my charity work recognised in this way by the City of London. 'I feel very privileged that Chris and I were awarded Freedom of the City at the same time. 'Watching him compete at London 2012 in front of a home crowd that included our family and friends was so momentous, London will always remain a precious place for both of us.' Mr King said: 'Chris and Sarra are tremendously inspirational figures – Chris, as one of our most highly decorated and popular Olympic sports ambassadors, and Sarra, as a talented lawyer with dual qualifications in Scottish and English law, who has committed herself to campaigning for improved healthcare for children. 'Both of them must be commended for speaking so openly about living with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it has been my privilege to support their freedom nominations.' The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237. Recent recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry; choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne; and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.
North Wales Chronicle
26-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Sir Chris Hoy and wife Lady Sarra receive Freedom of the City of London
They have been recognised for charitable work for cancer awareness and neo-natal care, in addition to Sir Chris' sporting achievements as a British track cyclist. The couple, who have been married since 2010, attended a joint ceremony at the Lord Mayor's official residence, The Mansion House, on Thursday. Sir Chris said: 'London will always have a very special place in my heart, being the flag-bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games is an experience that will stay with me forever. 'Every Olympics is special, but nothing quite beats a home Games, and watching the city come together and creating memories in front of such amazing support at what would be my last is something I will never forget. 'It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City; thank you.' Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, 49, revealed in February 2024 he was undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. In October 2024, he announced that his diagnosis was terminal and said he had been told by doctors that he had two to four years to live. As well as six Olympic golds, the Edinburgh-born athlete won 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles by the time he retired from competitive racing in 2013. He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List after his success at the Beijing Olympics. The couple were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, who is chair of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee. Sir Chris and Lady Sarra's son Callum was born at 29 weeks weighing just 2lbs 2oz in 2014, and Lady Sarra, a solicitor from Edinburgh who qualified in Scots and English law, is an ambassador for Bliss – a UK charity for sick and premature babies. Lady Sarra, who spoke on ITV's Lorraine earlier this year about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), said: 'I'm deeply touched and honoured to have my charity work recognised in this way by the City of London. 'I feel very privileged that Chris and I were awarded Freedom of the City at the same time. 'Watching him compete at London 2012 in front of a home crowd that included our family and friends was so momentous, London will always remain a precious place for both of us.' Mr King said: 'Chris and Sarra are tremendously inspirational figures – Chris, as one of our most highly decorated and popular Olympic sports ambassadors, and Sarra, as a talented lawyer with dual qualifications in Scottish and English law, who has committed herself to campaigning for improved healthcare for children. 'Both of them must be commended for speaking so openly about living with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it has been my privilege to support their freedom nominations.' The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237. Recent recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry; choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne; and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Sir Chris Hoy and wife Lady Sarra receive Freedom of the City of London
They have been recognised for charitable work for cancer awareness and neo-natal care, in addition to Sir Chris' sporting achievements as a British track cyclist. The couple, who have been married since 2010, attended a joint ceremony at the Lord Mayor's official residence, The Mansion House, on Thursday. Lord Mayor of the City of London Alastair King and Lady Mayoress of the City of London Florence King with Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Lady Sarra Hoy (Lucy North/PA) Sir Chris said: 'London will always have a very special place in my heart, being the flag-bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games is an experience that will stay with me forever. 'Every Olympics is special, but nothing quite beats a home Games, and watching the city come together and creating memories in front of such amazing support at what would be my last is something I will never forget. 'It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City; thank you.' Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, 49, revealed in February 2024 he was undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. In October 2024, he announced that his diagnosis was terminal and said he had been told by doctors that he had two to four years to live. As well as six Olympic golds, the Edinburgh-born athlete won 11 world championships and 34 World Cup titles by the time he retired from competitive racing in 2013. He was knighted in the 2008 New Year Honours List after his success at the Beijing Olympics. The couple were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Caroline Haines, who is chair of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee. Sir Chris and Lady Sarra's son Callum was born at 29 weeks weighing just 2lbs 2oz in 2014, and Lady Sarra, a solicitor from Edinburgh who qualified in Scots and English law, is an ambassador for Bliss – a UK charity for sick and premature babies. Lady Sarra, who spoke on ITV's Lorraine earlier this year about being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), said: 'I'm deeply touched and honoured to have my charity work recognised in this way by the City of London. Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Lady Sarra Hoy (Lucy North/PA) 'I feel very privileged that Chris and I were awarded Freedom of the City at the same time. 'Watching him compete at London 2012 in front of a home crowd that included our family and friends was so momentous, London will always remain a precious place for both of us.' Mr King said: 'Chris and Sarra are tremendously inspirational figures – Chris, as one of our most highly decorated and popular Olympic sports ambassadors, and Sarra, as a talented lawyer with dual qualifications in Scottish and English law, who has committed herself to campaigning for improved healthcare for children. 'Both of them must be commended for speaking so openly about living with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it has been my privilege to support their freedom nominations.' The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237. Recent recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry; choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne; and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.
