Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) supports programmes in the occupied
Palestinian territory and Lebanon. These cover in a number of areas ranging from essential primary healthcare, women and
children's health, to mental health and psychosocial support.

MAP’s disability programme is particularly
vital at this time. In the last year or so, thousands of Palestinians have
sustained gunshot wounds. Of these an estimated 1,500 people need specialist
limb reconstruction treatment and long-term rehabilitation.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has been working with IDEALS,
(founded by the late John Beavis, the orthopaedic and trauma
surgeon)  to send a team of orthopaedic
surgeons from King’s College Hospital in London to Gaza. They are conducting
vital operations as well as training a local team of limb reconstruction
specialists, including surgeons, theatre technicians and nurses.

There is now a dedicated Limb Reconstruction Unit at Al
Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and support for a second unit at the European Gaza
Hospital.

This important work is one of the main reasons why I want to
raise money for MAP. My own personal experience of the difference surgery can
make made it especially appropriate to take part in the ‘Cycle Palestine 2019’
ride. In 2016 I fell off my bike and smashed my hip. Fortunately, the NHS
fitted me up with a titanium replacement hip and within two months I was cycling again.

I have been a cyclist since I was given my first bike in
1953. Without treatment after my accident I would have been permanently
disabled and never ridden again. This experience has taught me the importance
of limb surgery and I appreciate how lucky I have been compared with people who
have suffered similar injuries in countries that lack our medical services.

I decided that doing a sponsored ride would be a form of payback
(all be it very small) for the treatment I have received. 

By sponsoring me on this ride you will be helping to
continue the vital work MAP is doing.