I first got involved with SeeKenya in 2017 when I had the opportunity to go on one of the bi-annual clinic trips where I was able to put my experience as a nurse to good use. So many people come into the clinic with inflamed or damaged eyes due to disease or allergies and we were able to dispense drops and other medication to, at least, relieve some of the symptoms. As little as £18 a year treats a child suffering from eye allergies that, if left untreated, could lead to blindness.
I administered hundreds of eye drops as well as taking blood sugars, blood pressures and occasional HIV testing. It was incredible how patient the Kenyans were compared to the UK with some waiting up to 12 hours to be seen without complaint. The people are so appreciative for all the treatment they receive, especially when you give them their new glasses and they can see properly again. What I experienced had such a profound effect on me that I have since returned on two further clinic trips.
“The people are so appreciative for all the treatment they receive, especially when you give them their new glasses and they can see properly again”
I realise that none of this can happen without financial support and I wanted to do something to help with this as well. With my 50th birthday approaching I thought it was a good time to do something to challenge myself. Having been to a number of airshows in the past I saw people doing Wing Walks and thought it might be something that I could do. Despite its name, this does not involve any walking. So on 13th August I will get strapped into a harness on top of Boeing Super Stearman biplane and then it will take off, go to approximately 1,000 feet when the pilot will do climbs, dives and banks before eventually returning me to the ground. While somewhat daunted by the prospect I am trying to treat it as though it is like a fairground ride, only it lasts a bit longer and goes a bit higher!!!
If you are able, please support SeeKenya by sponsoring me in this mad adventure! You can do so here.
