In September 2017 I quit my job and travelled to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda to volunteer for Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), an NGO that protects critically endangered mountain gorillas by improving human health.

Mountain gorillas are found in the rainforests that stretch across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Sadly, due to a combination of disease, habitat encroachment, poaching, and political instability, there are now only 880 individuals remaining; half of these live in Bwindi. Also living around the park, in close proximity to the gorillas, are some of the country’s poorest and most isolated communities. These people have limited access to basic healthcare and often illegally venture into the park in search of food and firewood to feed their families. As a result of this, and due to our 98.4% genetic identicality, the risk of disease spread between humans, gorillas and livestock is a real and present danger.

CTPH works hard to address this threat through its three integrated programs: gorilla health monitoring, community health and alternative livelihoods. Our vision: a future where people, wildlife and livestock are living in balance, health and harmony. To find out more about CTPH please visit: www.ctph.org

With only 9 days to train, I have decided to participate in the Kyaninga Triathlon to help raise funds for the critical work of CTPH. Proceeds from the event itself will go to the Kyaninga Child Development Centre who provide much needed treatment, education and support to disabled children across Uganda, enabling them to lead more independent lives. See their website here: www.kyaningacdc.org

I will be taking part in a sprint triathlon comprising of a 750m swim across a crater lake, followed by 16.5km mountain bike ride and 4km run across the surrounding countryside. Aside from my lack of training, the main challenges I will face are the high altitude of 1,600 metres and the intense Equatorial heat.

I would be very grateful for your support, appreciating that no donation is too big or too small to make a difference. All funds raised will go directly to CTPH to further its mountain gorilla conservation programs.

Thank you!