Photos Credit: Andrew Gess Photography. Patient consent obtained for all photos.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you will know, I do like to participate in the odd sporting event here and there when at home in the UK. Having been in Sierra Leone for a whirlwind 3 months (can't believe it's sped by!), I've gotten involved in a few activities, however nothing has prepared me for exercising in the heat and humidity and now the rainy season here. The longest I have managed to run whilst here is 5k. In addition to that, the palm oil, sugar and rice I have consumed hasn't helped my athleticism or waistline...

So in summary with all these factors considered, my plight to do the Makeni 10K Race on Sunday 5th June is therefore going to be a huge personal and physical challenge!

The Makeni Event is mainly in aid of StreetChild, a fantastic charity which has helped taken many kids off the streets. However I would also love to fundraise for the fantastic eye department I have been working at within the main governmental teaching hospital for the country: Department of Ophthalmology, Western Area Eye Care Project at Connaught Hospital, in the capital city of Freetown.

There is so much need here, however one thing that has struck me so much is the prevalence and morbidity associated with advanced glaucoma here. I have seen kids and adolescents as well as fit and healthy adults presenting on their first ever eye check with severe advanced glaucoma, who are likely to spend the majority of the rest of their lives visually impaired. The impact of this on the rest of their families and communities is huge.

One thing that could significantly help the department is purchasing a device to check eye pressure, which is the single most important treatable risk factor for glaucoma.

These devices would cost upwards of £2000 each and could help ophthalmic nurses and doctors to detect patients at risk of glaucoma early in order to start treatment early and reduce the associated visual morbidity.

Anything you can help donate would be very much appreciated.

And in return I will attempt to run the longest distance I can manage in this heat and humidity without passing out, whilst braving the torrential downpours that are likely in this climate right now!!

Buku buku TENKI!

Shiama