So as most of you know I’m currently in Sierra Leone with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health assisting in implementing the ETAT+ project across the north of the country.

My base, Makeni, just so happens to run a marathon each year under the UK charity Street Child. Street Child UK run projects across the country with the aim to assist in protecting children, providing education and empowering families; work which we have seen first hand just how essential it is!

Myself and two colleagues have decided to run the half marathon this year (for our sins) to raise money for Street Child, alongside directly raising some money for our base hospital. We aim to raise £250 each which we will use to equip the current deserted play therapy room for inpatients within the hospital.

This is something we are passionate about as play therapy is an essential part of child development and something which is even more pertinent for the sick and malnourished children we treat.

We aim to raise £250 each to develop this area and any money left over we plan to pass on to Street Child theirselves.

If anyone is able to donate towards the cause it would be greatly appreciated! I’ll be sure to share some horrific photos afterwards of me drowning in sweat for your hilarity!

WISH US LUCK!!!!

Oh and also... if you are reading this and are in Sierra Leone but not planning to run (aka. you’re probably sane) we are also organising a blood drive at the Wusum Stadium on the day. Shortage in blood supply due to a lack of blood donation is something we see on a daily basis and sadly in too many cases the child dies whilst waiting for blood. If you are feeling generous then we will have set up a donation point and will be there (post race) to give you some juice and biccys😁