I was super humbled to be with Shakti* several months ago in Nepal, a very special 19 year old. She lives with her parents and little brothers, in a rural farming community of abject poverty (incomes often less than $1.50 per day to support a family).

Shakti* first showed signs of leprosy at 2 years old. Her childhood was full of pain, suffering, wounds & ulcers that grew bigger as she did – wounds that wouldn’t heal, due to leprosy. But it didn't stop there. The emotional wounds ran deeper. Shakti* was isolated and alone. No-one wanted her around. Her neighbours told her to go away. The sadness was tangible. She felt everyone hated her, afraid she would ‘’infect’’ their children.

At 16, Shakti* had her leg amputated after disease spread to the bone. She shared that at 19 years old, she has no friends. I am super-thankful that Shakti* found compassion, treatment and inclusion... alongside a hand-made prosthetic limb at The Leprosy Mission hospital. She is now back on her feet again & cured of leprosy. She told me her greatest joy is simply being able to walk again and enjoy the beauty of her surroundings.

It's an injustice that a curable disease like leprosy still causes indescribable pain, suffering, exclusion, and rejection/discrimination. No-one should feel their only option is to take their own life due to a curable disease.

Thank you so much for your kindness & support, as I ‘get off my backside’ this summer to help get others, just like Shakti*, back on their feet’. Love looks like something! And £50 provides a custom prosthetic limb.

So I’m walking 150km this summer in The Leprosy Mission's 150th year...so that other young kids, just like Shakti*, can have the childhood they deserve, free of leprosy. ** Looking forward to the end of this disease, in Jesus Name!

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL MY ££ MAKE?

Your £50...can provide a custom prosthetic limb to get someone, just like Shakti*, back on their feet!

Your £111...can bring a pop-up clinic, vital medical care & hope to an unreached community. Early treatment will prevent a life of suffering & disability for many people.

Your £10...can provide a pair of specialist shoes to protect leprosy affected feet from injury, ulcers, and amputation!

Thank you so much for ''standing with'' people suffering and ostracised due to leprosy, just like Shakti*...and getting them back on their feet again!

NB: the charity will not receive the ''suggested'' donation to Just Giving on the donate page. It's possible to revise or waive this (simply click 'enter custom amount).

* pseudonym used

** 150km walking & elliptical trainer (weather dependent)