Dear All, 

I am a pancreatic cancer researcher working at the University of Liverpool, UK. I was born in Venezuela, once a thriving country sitting on the world’s largest oil reserves. Over the past decade my country has suffered a precipitous decline. There are drastic shortages of both food and medicines and diseases such as diphtheria and malaria are re-emerging. Venezuela’s economic turmoil, has had a direct impact on the health of its people and the state of the health system. This crisis has gradually built, over a number of years, because of under-funding, corruption and economic collapse. 

Despite the complexities of getting humanitarian aid into Venezuela, and despite the horrific nature of the public health crisis that has ensued, Healing Venezuela has an exceptional track record of getting things done: supplies reach their recipients, training takes place as expected, mental health programmes are delivered. Most importantly, people who would've never survived their health issues due to crippling shortages of medical supplies in Venezuela now have a second chance at life. Medical staff and patients who previously didn't have the tools to cope, now do.

I have done only short sporadic runs in the past. However, I am fully committed this time to run half marathon at the Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool series on the 26th of May 2019 to support my beloved country which is in desperate need of help as you have seen recently in the news. 

As a friend, family member, or person unknown to me who wants to help Venezuelan patients and malnourished children in desperate, truly desperate circumstances, I encourage you to donate any amount.

Venezuelans need you!

Thank you for your support,

Lawrence