Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Many of you who know me will probably be wondering why I've picked this charity and why I've picked this challenge.

I have spent the last 4 months of my surgical training with the Trauma & Orthopaedic department at The Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. What makes this department unique are two Orthopaedic Consultants and a number of specialised Physiotherapists who are experts in Paediatric Orthopaedics. 

Although their expertise cover a range of conditions, they are particularly specialised in the correction of Club Foot deformity. Club Foot, or "Congential Talipes Equino-Vares" is the most common significant musculoskeletal congenital abnormality. It is present in 1 in 1000 births in the UK and between 2 and 3 in 1000 births in Africa. In Malawi, there are 5000 children with untreated Clubfeet, and 500 more are born each year. (see pictures below).

The treatment seems simple enough, it is known as the Ponseti Method; a corrective manipulation technique, followed by plaster immobilisation. Over a number of of weeks, the casts are changed with the foot manipulated in to a better position each time. Successful treatment using this technique avoids the need for major corrective surgery.

The first time a saw a child undergoing Ponseti Treatment, I was struck by its simplicity and effectiveness. Although nurses, physio's and healthcare assistants should all able to perform this treatment, it requires specialist knowledge and training. 

The charity I am supporting is called Feet First. They aim to roll out a worldwide programme for the recognition and management of Club Foot. They want every child with Club Foot to be diagnosed at birth, and to have access to treatment. The Ponseti method is a gold standard treatment that can be easily applied in the Third World due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. 

The moment I heard about Feet First, I knew I wanted to help their cause. I am hoping to raise money through a 2.25 mile Open Water swim. Many of you will know that I have recently taken to swimming so I figured this would be a good way to step it up a gear. The route goes down the Thames from Hampton Court to Kingston Bridge. I have never swam in Open Water like this before, so it's going to be a real challenge. 

At some point in the not too distant future, I will be flying out to see what Feet First does. This will be an excellent opportunity for me to feedback exactly where your money is going. Your money will make a huge difference to these children's lives. So please dig deep!!!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.