Story
The Cause:
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer as a hand therapist for the LION project in Malawi. This groundbreaking initiative is establishing and running Malawi's first-ever Hand Unit, and I have witnessed firsthand how it is transforming lives and providing a vital service to those in need. LION is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to offering free treatment for Malawian patients.
BSSH and BAHT have agreed to support the project for 5 years, where volunteer therapists and surgeons dedicate their time to deliver care in specialist hand clinics, promote sustainability, and provide top-quality training and resources to empower local colleagues.
Why is LION needed?
Malawi faces a staggering challenge with the third highest rate of road traffic deaths globally. For every tragic loss of life, there are twenty-five non-fatal injuries that can lead to permanent disabilities, affecting entire families and pushing them into poverty and dependency. Hand and wrist injuries are alarmingly common, complex, and often go untreated or are addressed too late, leaving individuals who are already struggling on the poverty line with lifelong disabilities.
My Challenge
I am excited to announce that I will be volunteering my services as a hand therapist again next year! In addition to this rewarding work, I am committed to raising funds for the project by taking on an ambitious personal trek—climbing Kilimanjaro on September 10th, 2026. This challenge will not be easy; I underwent major knee reconstructive surgery less than a year ago (and let’s be honest - I am clumsy, asthmatic, and horribly unfit 😂). However, you can't ask for money unless you're going to do something physically horrible 😂
Where the money goes:
Every penny raised will go directly to the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) LION Fund. This funding is crucial for covering the running costs of the LION project, which amounts to approximately £90-100k each year 😮. It’s important to note that all surgeons and therapists involved in this initiative are volunteers; your generous contributions will not go towards salaries but rather towards sustaining this life-changing work.
I invite you to join me to Help Heal the Hands of Malawi! Your support can make a significant difference in countless lives.
For more information please see the following website: