Swimming Mount Kenya

Emily and Lucy Barnett

We first heard about SeeKenya through The King's Church in Burgess Hill, about three years ago. We were really excited to find out about the incredible work they are doing to provide much needed and life changing eye care to the people in Kenya.

Ever since then we’ve been hoping to join one of their trips but unfortunately the timings hadn’t worked out due to Emily’s nursing studies. However, in March this year, the dates finally worked out so that we could go.

As we enjoy swimming, we decided to do a sponsored swim to help raise funds. We both set ourselves the challenge of swimming 10.5 km, over a few days, which is the equivalent of climbing up Mount Kenya and down again. With incredibly generous support from our family and friends we managed to raise £760!

Emily Barnett working at the clinic

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of helping so many people. The team were amazing – so friendly, dedicated, well organised, and patient with those of us for whom everything was new. The days were quite long but so rewarding seeing people‘s gratitude and the difference it made to their lives. We especially remember the lady who was so joyful that she would now be able to read her Bible again. Another highlight was playing with the children as they waited. We loved their giggles and dancing and seeing their proud smiles when they got their new glasses. It was also very special to do the trip together as mum and daughter and for Emily it was chance to put some of her nursing skills into practice including checking blood pressure, measuring blood sugar levels, and helping to administer eyedrops, with Wendy.

We would love to go again 😊

Lizzie King, Lucy Barnett and Emily Barnett

By Lucy and Emily Barnett

Trip volunteers, 2025