Ben's Bath Half for SMMHEP
Benedict Wildblood is raising money for Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Project
Story
I did it! The official time was 1:35:04, which was 10 minutes faster than I was aiming for.
Really enjoyed the race - was perfect weather and a great atmosphere.
Was also very much spurred on by wanting to stay ahead of the ginger guy in the borat mankini, for obvious reasons!
Thank you so much to everyone for leaving sponsorship, it's very much appreciated.
Next stop: London Marathon 2012!
Hi everyone,
I recently spent two fantastic months on my medical elective in Malawi, which is known as the 'warm heart of Africa,' due to the friendly nature of its people. However it is thought to be one of the poorest countries in the world.
Healthcare in Malawi is obviously very different to the UK, but I was particularly struck by the mental health care. During my visit to Zomba Mental Hospital, I learned that in the main ward there were 6 flea-ridden beds for 52 people, no running water, and no doctor had visited for over a week. Some of the more acutely ill patients were running around naked, and one elderly man had recently died of hypothermia when someone stole his blanket. Outside of Zomba Mental Hospital, 'psychogenic illness' seemed to be a term that allowed a physician to refer the patient to someone else and relieve their duty of care.
The Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Project is a wonderful charity, committed to changing attitudes towards mental health in Malawi by educating doctors and nurses. For example, a current project involves providing all medical undergraduates with a psychiatry textbook. The project also aims to develop teaching materials in the native language of Chichewa.
So here is my bit.... I'm running the Bath Half Marathon on 7th March to raise money for the charity, and on a more personal note, to show my Dad and sister that anything they can do.... I've been training 3-4 times a week, and am currently runnning 10 miles in about 1:15 on the treadmill. I'm aiming for a race time around 1:40/1:45.
If anyone would like to support the SMMHEP by giving a donation, both them and I would be extremely grateful.
I will keep you posted with my progress...
Many thanks,
Ben
Really enjoyed the race - was perfect weather and a great atmosphere.
Was also very much spurred on by wanting to stay ahead of the ginger guy in the borat mankini, for obvious reasons!
Thank you so much to everyone for leaving sponsorship, it's very much appreciated.
Next stop: London Marathon 2012!
Hi everyone,
I recently spent two fantastic months on my medical elective in Malawi, which is known as the 'warm heart of Africa,' due to the friendly nature of its people. However it is thought to be one of the poorest countries in the world.
Healthcare in Malawi is obviously very different to the UK, but I was particularly struck by the mental health care. During my visit to Zomba Mental Hospital, I learned that in the main ward there were 6 flea-ridden beds for 52 people, no running water, and no doctor had visited for over a week. Some of the more acutely ill patients were running around naked, and one elderly man had recently died of hypothermia when someone stole his blanket. Outside of Zomba Mental Hospital, 'psychogenic illness' seemed to be a term that allowed a physician to refer the patient to someone else and relieve their duty of care.
The Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Project is a wonderful charity, committed to changing attitudes towards mental health in Malawi by educating doctors and nurses. For example, a current project involves providing all medical undergraduates with a psychiatry textbook. The project also aims to develop teaching materials in the native language of Chichewa.
So here is my bit.... I'm running the Bath Half Marathon on 7th March to raise money for the charity, and on a more personal note, to show my Dad and sister that anything they can do.... I've been training 3-4 times a week, and am currently runnning 10 miles in about 1:15 on the treadmill. I'm aiming for a race time around 1:40/1:45.
If anyone would like to support the SMMHEP by giving a donation, both them and I would be extremely grateful.
I will keep you posted with my progress...
Many thanks,
Ben