At the moment, 1 in 8 children in Lwengo District will not celebrate their 5th birthday. Imagine if that was the case in the UK – three children out of every nursery class wouldn’t reach reception.

Despite healthier living styles being vital for a productive population, structured running programmes like Parkrun or Park kids for adults and children are not popular in Uganda.

As I celebrate one year of running, I’m undertaking a massive physical challenge of running my first marathon (26.2 miles) in 3:30 hours because I was born in Lwengo, Uganda and I want to see this change. Together, let’s start the construction of a new health centre this year with all the facilities the people of Lwengo need, to alter these unbelievable statistics in 10 years:

Why I am running the Manchester Marathon, 5^th April?

- Six medical doctors serve a population of 270,000 people. In the London Borough of Hackney, 150+ doctors serve a similar number.

- The Uganda government health budget for Lwengo is £800,000. Just one GP practice in Hackney that serves 7000 people has a budget of £1,000,000

- There’s less than the equivalent of one dentist for the whole district, private or government.

- Lwengo has no proper operational maternity delivery suite, and over 5 mothers die for every 1,000 births in the District.

These statistics are unacceptable to humanity, especially when you see the difference in services between a place like Hackney and Lwengo.

Having been born in Lwengo, I consider myself lucky to have survived this high mortality rate.

As I appreciate the benefits of running for a healthier body and a concentrated mind, I also want to see children and adults benefiting from this opportunity through organised kids and community running programmes.

Therefore, I have decided to run 26.2 miles in Manchester to contribute to the funds required for the new health centre and to kickstart the running programme this year.

How you can help

· Join me in raising money for this Health Centre and the organised running programme. Every penny will make a massive difference.

· Cheer me on as I pass through Manchester and tell others about the work my run will make possible.

By supporting me to run the Manchester marathon, you can help make a better future possible for the people Lwengo and Uganda.

For more details on how you can further be part of this Health Centre vision, please visit https://joyforhumanity.org/health-centre/