My dream has always been to give back. Originally from Peru, I have witnessed the heartbreaking disparities in quality of life and healthcare. There are patients who, lacking access to specialist care, must choose between living with debilitating conditions or attempting an impossible 600-mile journey to Lima for operations they often cannot afford.

Like all my colleagues, I embarked on a career in Reconstructive Surgery to restore function and meaningfully improve my patients' quality of life. That mission is the driving force behind this project.

We are a team of UK-based surgeons volunteering our time for a Reconstructive Outreach Trip to Piura, Peru, in November 2026, and we urgently need your help to make it happen.

This is how Project UKallpa was born (Kallpa means "strength" in Quechua, the traditional language of the Incas).

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Our Mission & Partners

We have partnered with EcoSwell (@ecoswell), an incredible Peru/UK-based NGO dedicated to sustainable development in the region, and the inspirational Dr. Anibal Santivanez, a local Piuran Plastic Surgeon.

Dr. Santivanez works tirelessly at the national Hospital II Santa Rosa, but he is one of only a handful of reconstructive surgeons in the entire region. The need for specialist equipment and support is immense.

Our mission is twofold:

1. Provide Immediate Impact: By performing complex, life-changing reconstructive surgery for patients who desperately need it.

2. Create a Sustainable Legacy: By running advanced training workshops (e.g., Microsurgery) for local surgical teams, we can support them in developing their skills long after we depart.

Meet Our Specialist Volunteer Team

We are a dedicated team of 7 specialist surgeons and registrars from West Yorkshire, volunteering our time and expertise:

Consultant Plastic Surgeons:

• Mr Waseem Bhat (Leeds General Infirmary, @waseembhatplasticsurgeon)

• Mr Zakir Shariff (Bradford Royal Infirmary, @zshariff)

• Miss Rebecca Rollett (Leeds General Infirmary, @leedsplasticsurgeon)

Consultant Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons:

• Miss Carol Chan (Leeds General Infirmary, @carolychan)

• Mr David Dickson (Bradford Royal Infirmary)

Plastic Surgery Registrars:

• Miss Martha De La Cruz Monroy (me, @mdelacruzm)

• Miss Isla Shariat (@islashariat)

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This Is Where You Can Help

Our commitment is clear, but our ability to provide care is limited by funding. Every pound you donate will go directly towards the project and support buying the essential instrumentation, specialist equipment, sutures, and dressings etc. required for these complex operations and training.

The more we raise, the more lives we can positively impact.

We have an overall target of £35,000. Our first milestone is to raise £20,000 by May 2026 to secure the equipment and logistics for the November trip.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a profound and direct impact on a patient's life—restoring not just function, but hope and strength.

Our Commitment & Support

This is the first step in a long-term commitment. We are proud to be directly supported by:

• Mr Paul McArthur (British Association of Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, BAPRAS)

• Mr Anthony Barabas (Chairman, British Foundation for International Reconstructive Surgery & Training - BFIRST)

For organisational transfers: If your organisation requires a direct bank transfer, please email me at martha.delacruzmonroy@nhs.net.

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COMING SOON: Fundraising Events

Alongside this page, we will be running exciting fundraising educational events. Please stay tuned!

• National Mock OSCE for Final Year Medical Students

o When: Saturday 28th February 2026

o Where: Leeds General Infirmary

o (Further details and website coming soon!)

• Surgical Skills Courses for Junior Residents

o When: May 2026

o (Further details coming soon!)

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. Your support can help us deliver strength (Kallpa) and a new beginning to so many.

With our deepest gratitude,

Ms Martha De La Cruz Monroy

Plastic Surgery Registrar (Yorkshire) On behalf of the Project UKallpa Team