Story
I'm not about to undertake a huge physical or personal challenge for which I want to part you from some cash. I am just wanting to raise awareness of leprosy, the plight of the individuals affected by it, and the hard work of the healthcare professionals who fight the disease and care for the sufferers.
Many people believe leprosy is no longer a disease impacting lives. This is far from the real picture. Hundreds of thousands of new cases are still being reported each year worldwide. Without treatment, the disease leads to disfigurement, debilitating disability, huge open wounds and sometimes death.
Because of the social stigma attached to leprosy, these patients are some of the most vulnerable, poor and isolated people in the world.
17 years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to spend 5 months volunteering at Lalgadh Leprosy hospital in southern Nepal. A place where people living with the stigma & often deformity of leprosy are treated with dignity and genuine care by the brilliant clinical staff who work in often difficult & austere conditions.
Ever since that time in Nepal, I have been promoting the wonderful work done at the hospital and trying to raise awareness of the suffering of the 100's of 1'000's of people affected by leprosy around the world.
I recently returned to Lalgadh for another 3 months to volunteer in the hospital again & decided I would love to be able to make ongoing donations on behalf of my family, friends, clients & colleagues to the hospital to help with the amazing work they do.
If you would like to make a donation to support the work at the hospital I & they would be thrilled. Every £ donated makes such a difference.
I documented a little of my time in Nepal on social media & my website.
If you'd like to read about my adventure you can find me here:
Many thanks for taking the time to read this.
Jill xx