Ina's fund raising for Magen David Adom
ina Camlett is raising money for Magen David Adom UK
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Magen David Adom Trek Jordan to Israel 6 - 13th
About two months ago I was asked me if I would join a trek journeying through Jordon and into Israel to raise much needed funds for MDA.
Of course my immediate reaction was to say thank you, I’ll think about it (which actually meant that I just needed time to come up with a good excuse as to why I couldn’t possibly do it) It was, after all, 18 years since my last charity trek, when I had spent my 50th birthday tired and unwashed climbing Mount Olympus.
So much has changed since then, my fitness levels being one very important factor! Life is busy. I am now a Nana to my 7 year old granddaughter and football mad 3 year old grandson. My goalkeeping skills are not too bad, but that’s as far as it goes. I had undertaken the couch to 5K run during lockdown, but very quickly reverted back to couch and somehow I never did restart any of the exercise classes that I had cancelled during lockdown.
As well as the physical strength required, would I be able to raise the much needed sponsorship in these difficult times?
My list of reasons why I couldn’t do it were developing nicely!
Then I happened to read an article about MDA’s emergency support in the Ukraine and it reminded me of the charity’s vital role, not only as Israel’s only National Blood and Medical Emergency Service, but also giving aid around the world, irrespective of nationality, religion, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
It’s activities include:
- Providing and maintaining Israel’s 1,716 ambulances.
- The collection and supply of 300,000 units of blood each year.
- Sharing expertise internationally on dealing with mass casualty situations.
- Social-action projects for local communities.
- Responsibility for all Israel’s first aid training.
- MDA received over 800,000 emergency calls at their centres and treated over 600.000
It is not funded by the Israeli government, but by the international diaspora. Magen David Adom UK, alone, has provided 40 British Ambulance stations, 193 ambulances and Mobile Intensive Care Units.
And so I said YES!
The trek will take us through Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and after crossing into Israel; Timna, Solomon’s Pillars and the Ramon Crater.
Included in the the many activities, and a highlight of the trip for me, will be a visit to the newly opened MDA Blood and Logistics Centre in Ramla and the opportunity to volunteer on a shift with an MDA ambulance crew and the possibility to save lives.
Now all I have to do in the next couple of months is get my fitness levels up to allow me to trek up to 70km (gulp) and raise the much needed funds.
If anyone is able to support me and this important charity I would be very grateful ….or maybe you would like to join me?
Thank you so much ❤️