*See FAQs section at the bottom

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In October of 2023 I'll be cycling across Palestine with a group of volunteers (we don't know each other).

It will be my second time in the country - in 2017 I spent a summer volunteering for Project Hope as an Art and English Teacher in Nablus, the West Bank.

Prior to that, I had never known a country of such warmth and hospitality. Strangers would literally stop in the streets and welcome me to Palestine. They would invite me for dinner and insist on giving me a bed for the night. It's fair to say that I was humbled by their generosity - repeatedly. 

At the same time, the country is failing. They don't have the safety net of health and well-being that we have in the UK and Ireland. 

For this reason, I'll be raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). It's a legitimate charity funded by UNICEF, OCHA, Islamic Aid, the Arab Fund, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, Trocaire, and others. 

MAP delivers health and medical care to Palestinians affected by conflict and displacement. Today, the charity is able to reach the most vulnerable communities and ensure they receive the best healthcare available in difficult conditions.

They carry out programmes with trusted and experienced local
partners across the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon. They fund women’s and children’s health; emergency and complex hospital care; mental health and psychological support; disability care; and advocacy and campaigns.

MAP supports the following in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Lebanon:

- Women's and children's health

- Emergency response and complex hospital care 

- Mental health and psychological support 

- Disability services - opportunities and empowerment 

- Advocacy and campaigns 

MAP 2022 impact highlights:

 - Mobile clinics provided care for thousands of vulnerable people. 11,400 people were reached and 22,739 units of medicine was distributed.

- In Lebanon, MAP's community midwives have been caring for new refugee mothers and their babies. They made 3,815 home visits and supported 26,821 displaced children with safe spaces to learn and grow.

- In Gaza, where conflict has increased poverty and food security, MAP has delivered 1,069 essential food packages to families, feeding 639 malnourished children

Read more here https://www.map.org.uk/what-we-do/what-we-do 

The Cycle itself is no Tour du France. Although, it's a hilly land and we will likely be using mountain bikes locally sourced in Palestine. We will begin in the north of the West Bank and zigzag down through Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron and Jerusalem. We will be cycling for 6 days. 

On top of this, I'll be completing the trip as a vegan of 6 years, fully plant-powered.

I would be incredibly grateful for any and all donations, no matter what size. Everything is appreciated - and please do not donate anonymously so that I can thank you personally!

Check out the NGO Monitor profile of MAP here: https://www.ngo-monitor.org/ngos/medical_aid_for_palestinians_map_/

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FAQs:

1. Can I donate to MAP if I support Israel?

- Yes, MAP provides medical aid to innocent civilians. Many Israelis support initiatives and NGOs such as MAP. See The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (www.btselem.org/) or Jewish Voice for Peace (www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org)

2. What is your position on the Israel/Palestine conflict?

- A peace agreement between the two sides must be agreed, with Palestinians and Israelis living side by side - not dissimilar to the Northern Ireland peace agreement. I have no preference for the 1-state or 2-state solution. 

3. Is cycling across Palestine a political statement? 

- No, we are raising money for medical aid for innocent civilians affected by unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. 

4. Is my money safe by donating through this page? How can I be sure it will go to MAP?

- Yes, this JustGiving page is set up and run by MAP itself, not me. All money goes directly to their bank account - I have nothing to do with it. You can contact the charity here to confirm this: Telephone: +44 (0)20 7226 4114, Email: info@map.org.uk

5. I don't have much or any money to donate, but I want to support you. What can I do? 

- There are many ways you can help without donating! (but of course, donations are highly appreciated). You can share this page widely with your network to raise awareness.

6. Who the hell are MAP? They legit? 

- Yes, they're a UK-based charity headquartered in Islington, North London. They're funded by UNICEF, OCHA, Islamic Aid, the Arab Fund, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, Trocaire, and others.