I have been lucky enough to Volunteer with EMA twice in Lebanon and seen first hand the amazing work they do in the community and providing healthcare to those who need it.

The team have always gone where the need is and put the local communities needs at the forefront of their work. Offering support and response that allows people to safely return home and rebuild their lives.

Following decades long war, dictatorship and oppression many of the team have been able to safely return to their homes and reunite with their families in Syria. After an initial assessment of needs in and around Damascus EMA’s leadership have identified several key areas in which the community here needs their support:

Healthcare- has been little to non existent due to few healthcare workers, critical shortage of medicines and little resources and infrastructure. This has left thousands without any essential care and chronic diseases untreated as well as inaccessible first aid/ emergency care.

Education- Children have had little education due to the crippled infrastructure and lack of resources, with no textbooks, stationary or basic learning essentials.

Essentials for Life- lack of food and essential items amongst households. With clothing, cooking fuel and heaters urgently required to protect families and emergency food distribution essential to prevent malnutrition.

I am aiming to complete this Sprint triathlon alongside my mum and sister in aide of raising funds to support EMA’s work on the ground. I know Dr Feras and the team are working tirelessly to help everyone that’s trying to rebuild their homes and lives and are grateful for any contribution that allows them to continue their work.

Thank you.