LEPRA extends life changing HIV treatment in India. The Andhra Pradesh State Government has asked LEPRA to help provide effective antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV. Antiretrovirals have transformed the lives of millions of HIV positive people in developed countries by helping them stay healthy for longer and stave off the onset of AIDS. In some European countries, the mortality rate for people living with HIV/AIDS has reduced by a staggering 80% since the treatment regimen was first introduced in 1997.
By contrast, the prospects for people currently living with HIV in Andhra Pradesh are bleak. Amongst a population of 75 million people, an estimated one million are HIV positive and of these, around 100,000 would benefit from antiretroviral treatment. However only four government health centres were providing the treatment in 2005 and only 1,800 HIV positive people were able to benefit. Those who are HIV positive but do not live close to one of these health centres have little prospect of being treated and are likely to face a short life battling against disease and infection. For the huge majority of people in Andhra Pradesh, HIV is simply a death sentence. LEPRA’s partnership with the state government will help to bridge the enormous gap between the need for treatment and the supply of antiretovirals.
 |
There has been much debate about just how effective HIV treatment can be in a country like India where the health service is stretched almost to breaking point. Providing tablets is only part of the challenge, it is just as important to make sure that people take them consistently otherwise treatment will not be effective. With this in mind, from the beginning of 2005, LEPRA placed a ‘peer educator’ (an untrained volunteer who is HIV positive) and a counsellor in one of the health centres where antiretrovirals were being provided. As a result the ‘compliance’ rate (the percentage of people completing treatment) increased from only 60% to 100%. This has convinced the Andhra Pradesh State Government that a comprehensive HIV treatment programme can work as long as it incorporates proper patient support.
From the beginning of 2006, five more government health centres will begin providing antiretroviral treatment and LEPRA will place a counsellor and peer educator in each centre. We expect that the number of people benefiting from HIV treatment across the state will increase by over 100% to 4,000 in the first year. If the programme succeeds, as we are confident it will, we have plans to expand it rapidly to meet the desperate level of need. 14/12/2005. |
Lottery help for deprived tribal area. The Big Lottery Fund has recently approved a five year grant to help LEPRA India work with largely tribal communities in the deprived district of Mayurbhanj, Orissa. The eastern state of Orissa is one of the very poorest in India; a sparse population and difficult terrain make it extremely difficult to maintain even the most basic health care services.
LEPRA aims to provide the people of Mayurbhanj with vital health education and to work with existing local groups to encourage self help. By empowering people with knowledge we can go a long way to limit the transmission of disease. This exciting new project will cover the whole district and builds on the success of previous lottery funded work in select parts of Mayurbhanj which focussed exclusively on leprosy. The Big Lottery Fund will contribute a generous £560,000 of the £746,000 required towards this work and seeking funding to fill the remaining £186,000 gap is now a high priority for LEPRA. 14/12/2005.
'Race against time' auction update. We are delighted to announce that LEPRA’s ‘race against time’ auction has raised nearly £9,000 to date. The appeal for donations was backed by comedian Mel Smith who sent us his watch and kindly wrote to other celebrities asking them to do the same. The response was terrific and we are extremely grateful to all those who donated their watches as well as everyone who took part in the auction. We still have twelve wonderful watches remaining and we will be putting them up for auction again in the New Year together with the remaining lots from last years successful ‘Big Book pledge’. Keep checking our website for further details - it’s yet another great way to support our work whilst winning something truly unique for yourself or a loved one. 14/12/2005. |
 |
Important announcement marks World AIDS day. December 1st marks World AIDS day and the launch of LEPRA's partnership with the American Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Andhra Pradesh State, India. This builds on our existing partnership with the State Government. Together we aim to provide a combination of essential drugs, counselling and practical support to people affected by the disease. The partnership adds a further $340,000 of American Federal Government money to the State's contribution from global funds. This exciting new programme puts LEPRA at the heart of the global fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Life is tough for people living with HIV in Andhra Pradesh. Many are too frightened to admit their positive status, even to their close friends and family. Fear and ignorance means they live out their days in lonely isolation and extreme poverty. Official state government statistics suggest that this is the reality currently facing 500,000 of its citizens. Of these, only around 1,000 have access to the Anti-Retroviral Therapy which could drastically improve the quality of their lives. LEPRA is under no illusions, we certainly cannot provide a complete solution, but we will be working closely with Indian health staff and volunteers to ensure that local people are much better placed to meet the needs in their own communities.
The partnership with the CDC is a substantial commitment for LEPRA and it looks set to grow in coming years. We have therefore recruited a specialist HIV/AIDS Management team in India to plan for future development.
Fighting HIV and AIDS worldwide will demand a huge coordinated effort and LEPRA recognises that we are a small part of something much bigger. Worlds AIDS day provides a focus for a disease which is an ever increasing threat to public health, fragile economies and the very fabric of societies. The following statistics illustrate the scale of a problem that we simply must face up to:
Cyclists return from Madagascar. LEPRA supporters yet again had a fantastic time in Madagascar. On 9th September 2005 seventeen of us departed from Heathrow for an amazing trip of a lifetime. It was an emotional, rewarding and uplifting trip all at the same time. The country and the people are stunning, but for all its beauty, Madagascar is a poor country with hardship, poverty and disease. This was a great opportunity to see how the sponsorship money raised helps people affected by diseases of poverty, living in some of the most deprived countries around the world. It is a very humbling experience, yet, to meet people whose health, hope and dignity are being restored is very rewarding.
 |
In all, the group cycled 337 miles, enjoying some rest days in-between! We visited a number of missions and other organisations, which provide care and support to many people. We stayed in missions and small village’s en-route, away from any normal infrastructure and home comforts. The cycling was fantastic – some of the roads even had proper tarmac! This amazing ride starts high in the majestic mountains and descends by winding trails through misty rainforests, passing glorious green paddy fields and tiny remote villages, where many of the homes are built on stilts. There was an opportunity to trek through the rainforest, in search for lemurs and other wildlife, some unique to Madagascar. |
 |
The final stage runs parallel to the Indian Ocean, parts of which were hit by the tsunami in 2004. It was a beautiful sight to see the white sandy beaches fringed with palms – a perfect spot to relax after a day in the saddle. A couple of evenings were spent on the beach sitting round a fire, chatting and laughing with new friends that had been made.
Having been lucky enough to participate on this trip, I often sit and reflect on my own experiences and feel quite emotional, thinking about what I’d achieved, why I’d done it, and having to say goodbye to such great people that were also on the trip, with whom I shared something very unique with." LEPRA's Bike Rides are a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for an adventure or wishing to get away from the normal tourist trail and discover the REAL countries and people. You will enjoy the amazing scenery and wildlife, the rainforests and beaches, as well as spending time with those who you will be helping. There are two support vehicles on each trip, accompanied by the local support team who cook and prepare meals. A deposit of just £100 will secure your place. |
 |
Amongst those taking part in this year's Madagascar Bike ride were Jane Langdon and Robert Littledale - both of whom have been kind enough to send us their own thoughts and memories from the experience - Click here to read their Bike Ride Memories.
For anyone just thinking about taking part in an adventure like this - don’t just THINK about it – DO IT, you will never regret or forget this amazing experience. To request more information call Lizzie Dearling on 01206 216734 or email lizzie_dearling@lepra.org.uk. 04/11/2005.
|
Celebrity Watch Auction Update. Our 2005 'A Race Against Time' is being backed by celebrity Mel Smith, who is very keen to support this appeal and help raise awareness of LEPRA. There will be 3 on-line auctions, each lasting for a period of 10 days. Items will be available on Ebay from 18th November, so don't miss out - Why not have a bid! A link to the eBay site where the items will be listed will be added here soon. We have received some very exciting items from celebrities including Sir Alex Ferguson (signed Nike Triax watch), Jude Law (a limited edition Tag Heuer mens watch) , David Gower (a Timestar watch given to England cricket team on tour in India in 1981) and Tim Rice (a watch celebrating 30 years of Tim's Heartaches Cricket Club). To view a full list of the items donated so far please click here. Keep a check on our website for further information so that you don't miss out on the chance to bid for a watch from your favourite celebrity! If you require any further information regarding the Watch Auction please contact Lizzie Dearling on (01206) 216734 or email Lizzie_Dearling@lepra.org.uk. 17/10/2005. |
 Above: Watch donated and signed by Sir Alex Ferguson |
Programmes Update. 2005 has so far been an extremely busy year for all our programmes and this update focuses on the continuing growth and development of our work and the exciting challenges that lay ahead.
LEPRA Projects 2004 |
Leprosy |
||
New Cases |
MB Cases |
PB Cases |
|
30,803 |
11,227 |
19,576 |
|
New work is under way in Guatemala, and further activities are planned in Angola and Mozambique. Growth and development continues apace in Bangladesh and India and new initiatives are being promoted in Brazil. Some key staff are moving on but other field based colleagues have joined the LEPRA family as part of the continuing growth. All are working to maintain and increase the funding required for this growth.
 |
|
|||||||||||||
New Staff at LEPRA India
LEPRA India’s Regional office in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, has been strengthened with the addition of a number of new staff including a new Head of Operations Mr. Haris Singh.
In Hyderabad, M.K. Bose has recently joined as Deputy Chief Executive while Rozmin Ajani, the previous Head of Finance and Administration, now works only on a part time consultancy basis.
LEPRA’s Mayurlep Project receives Big Lottery Grant
The Big Lottery Fund has recently announced a new grant of £559,981 which will cover 75% of the cost of a five-year project in Mayurbhanj, a rural district in the state of Orissa. Thanks to this grant, LEPRA will be able to train local health professionals and volunteers; provide health education in isolated villages; set up specialist services for complicated leprosy cases and create support networks for people recovering from leprosy, TB or malaria.
Health awareness activities conducted by youth groups, self help groups, and village health committees will maximise project coverage, reach the most disadvantaged groups and strengthen sustainability.
Mayurbhanj is the poorest district of Orissa, one of the most disadvantaged states of India. A majority of the population is made up of indigenous tribes, most of which live in remote regions. Nearly half of the population live below the poverty line. Female literacy rates are 38% and infant mortality rates are high. Malaria is endemic with almost half of the population affected. Other infectious diseases include tuberculosis and leprosy. Health facilities in the region are limited, understaffed and often difficult to get to.
"This project will bring the entire community together" said Rokunuz Zaman, Programmes Officer. "There is an excitement and commitment among the beneficiaries who will have a strong sense of ownership of the project. This project will allow these groups of people to take an active part in and have better access to health and development services. The local NGOs are happy for the opportunity to have a platform where they can share their experience and resources to address unmet and neglected needs of the communities."
HIV/AIDS work in India
LEPRA India continues to attract the attention of the Indian Government and in particular the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Society, which has approached them to take on even more responsibility for supporting and providing HIV counselling services in Andhra Pradesh. LEPRA India now provides 294 counsellors and 18 laboratory technicians working in Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing Centres (VCCTCs) and Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Centres (PPCTCs). This is in addition to their existing work with truckers and commercial sex workers on the highways around Hyderabad. Recent developments include a strong recommendation from the American based Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta that LEPRA India put forward a proposal for the funding of a major HIV/AIDS programme in Andhra Pradesh. If successful this will be funded by the President’s Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This is a logical direction for LEPRA India’s growth and development, building as it does on years of experience working with communities on leprosy and TB and the reduction of stigma.
Community Based Approaches
Elsewhere in India, the integration of leprosy treatment into the responsibilities of government health services has meant that LEPRA India is moving towards more community based approaches to leprosy work ensuring that people are aware of signs ands symptoms and know where to go to receive treatment. They are also focusing on ensuring the people affected by leprosy are themselves integrated in their communities by working to involve them in community based self help groups and helping interested individuals in communities to provide the care and support so often required by those with physical impairments.
Mahanadi Netra Chikisala – Eye Hospital, Orissa
This new eye hospital built with support from Sight Savers is now fully operational and is carrying out vital eye surgery. There are many thousands in this region who could benefit from cataract surgery and LEPRA India is now able to carry out over 200 operations a month restoring sight and making a real impact on people’s lives.
St. Josephs Leprosy Centre, Madhya Pradesh
The new surgical unit at the St Joseph’s Leprosy Centre in Sanawad was formally opened in December 2004 and is now up and running and planning to complete over 100 reconstructive surgery operations during 2005. This provides an important facility in an area where there is little or no access to reconstructive surgery but where there are many thousands who could benefit.
 |
|
||||||||||
LEPRA continues to support with funding from the British Government a major Social Rights Project of the Organisation MORHAN (the Movement of people affected by Hansen’s disease. Our Senior Programmes Officer recently visited MORHAN’s active groups in 3 municipalities in Ceará with high leprosy prevalence and was able to see at first hand their diverse activities. She reports,
In Juazeiro do Norte over 30 teenagers participated in an awareness raising workshop with members of a church youth group and this has helped increase the number of volunteers MORHAN can draw on for its leafleting and other awareness raising activities.
In Sobral the group has developed a very strong link with Trajano de Medeiro School and with a poor slum community in Recanto. The involvement with the school began first through leprosy awareness raising activities – the school is in a poor area of Sobral with a high incidence of leprosy and after the awareness raising talks, 6 new cases were discovered among the pupils. Through its parents’ groups, the school has been very effective in developing strong community links.
The local community health workers who also received training in social rights have been able to help community members obtain several registration documents needed to access various benefits and services. An increasing number of residents are now playing an active part in the residents’ association, forming delegations to meet with the water authorities concerning the lack of facilities in their area.
In Maracanau a meeting was held attended by staff from various municipal authorities (social action, planning, civil works, legal department) and a representative from Habitat International as part of the process of developing a social housing project for people affected by leprosy and other low income families living in the former Antonio Justa leprosarium.
Operational research
A review of LEPRA’s strategy in Brazil identified the importance of developing skills in carrying out "operational research". This is all about how to improve our understanding of what people really need and how best those needs can be addressed in ways which make a direct impact and can be sustained once our finding comes to an end.
Footwear Projects
These projects are going from strength to strength having started out by training trainers from one state and then rolling this out into three other states where there are now ten workshops producing good quality footwear for people with insensitive feet. Neighbouring states are also making use of this supply to place orders for footwear for their own patients.
Geographical Information Systems –GIS project , Mossoro, Rio Grande do Norte
This innovative project has used satellite technology to comprehensively map the distribution of leprosy cases in the Mossoro Municipality. This allows a detailed analysis of how patients and their contacts are distributed and can help target awareness raising activities as well as training activities for health staff in the areas with most patients. It is hoped that following on from this successful pilot project the technology can be used to help other municipalities make best use of scarce resources through targeted leprosy related activities.
 |
|
|||||||||||||
New Country Director
LEPRA Bangladesh now has its Country Coordination office in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and some changes have been made in the management structure in line with our growth and development. Mr. Farhad Ahmed Majumder joined the team in April 2005 as the Director of the country programme. He has extensive experience in development, disability, health, emergency relief & disasters and training. There are five staff working in the Country Coordination Office to ensure better coordination and support to the projects. Target Tuberculosis, a UK-based donor has helped support the office (funding a vehicle and office equipment such as a photocopier, computer & printers, fax, telephone connection, digital camera and other equipment).
The LTCC-Leprosy & TB Coordination Committee has chosen the LEPRA Bangladesh Country Director to take on the office of National Administrator of the forum. He is also one of the Executive Members of NFOWD-National Forum of Organizations Working with Disability.
Three of our direct projects in Bangladesh have been successfully completed during the first half of the year. They are the Post Flood Rehabilitation Project (£22,985 used for re-building houses and to help 271 families rebuild their livelihoods); Thana Health Complex Laboratory Upgrade project (27 laboratories were upgraded with Biological hood, an exhaust/extraction fan, running water and furniture); and health education and awareness raising on Lymphatic Filariasis in five districts (Training for NGO workers and community volunteers, distribution of manuals, posters and leaflets, advocacy meetings and orientation with influential leaders and Government officials). Two of the three projects were in direct collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh. The TB Control and leprosy Elimination project is still ongoing.
The TB and Leprosy Control Project in Sylhet division (implemented by our partner NGO, HEED-Bangladesh) was also completed in March 2005. A financial audit and evaluation of the project has also been carried out.
A new Country Strategy for LEPRA Bangladesh is being developed and it is encouraging to know that we already have committed funding from the Global Fund for out TB work until 2007 and have commitments from Target TB to continue their support of our work in 2006.
 |
|
|||||||||||||
Opportunities have presented themselves in Mozambique for LEPRA to become more involved in the southern provinces of the country utilising funds from the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS and TB. The Mozambican Ministry of Health has asked LEPRA to take on responsibility for coordination of TB work in Gaza and Maputo Provinces. This development has faltered somewhat with the appointment of a new Minister of Health but following a recent field visit by the Programmes Director and Programme Officer, LEPRA remains optimistic that this development will still take place by the end of this year. Sadly, Dr. Hippke and his wife Jane will be leaving Mozambique at the end of September after six years. They are going to work on a leprosy and TB programme in Guinea Bissau with the Italian ILEP member AIFO. Over the last year Dr. Hippke has been working on an important new initiative making links between HIV and TB and supported by KNCV the (Royal Netherlands TB Association). The achievements made by the Hippkes in Zambezia over the last few years will be built upon with the appointment of a new Programmes Manager based in Quelimane and working closely with counterparts in the Provincial Directorate of Health.
 |
|
|||||||||||||
With the departure of the previous coordinator the LEPRA programme in Angola has now identified a new Medical Coordinator. Dr. Kela Dilumbemeba joined on the 1st of April and brings with him several years of experience working with other Non-Governmental Organisations and the Ministry of Health and an in-depth knowledge of Moxico province where he has already worked for several years.
The potential for the Angolan programme to grow in the next few years is very high and the identification of skilled Angolan staff will be indispensable for the success and sustainability of LEPRA’s efforts in-country. Programme Officer, Monica Rosario has recently visited and has been working on identifying new opportunities and providing support to Dr. Kela in further developing the work in Moxico Province.
 |
Malaria is a re-emerging disease in Guatemala. In 2003, more than 90,000 malaria cases were recorded in the Central American region and of these, Guatemala accounted for 40%. Rural communities are particularly affected, which means the disease hits the poorest of the poor. The rainy season is often a time of intense agricultural activity during which poor families earn most of their annual income, and it is the most critical period for malaria to spread. As a result, malaria can make these families even poorer.
The government of Guatemala has identified Ixcan district in the department of Quiché as the most endemic district for malaria. LEPRA and the Ministry of Health have agreed the need to take actions for a malaria control programme in Ixcan and the process of registering LEPRA in Guatemala has already started. |
Following recent visits by LEPRA Staff a new office has been set up and Dr. Xmucané Morales has been appointed as the LEPRA Country Coordinator.
 |
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world with 66% of its population living well below the poverty line. 85% of its population live in rural areas where health facilities are mostly inaccessible because payment for drugs is required or because of the distances involved and the lack of transport. Although leprosy has been eliminated at the national level a steady number of new cases continue to be detected in the southern region.
A refresher course for Leprosy Control Assistants, Health surveillance Assistants and Dermatology Officers took place in July to update participants in new developments in Leprosy and skin diseases and review life threatening skin diseases, their manifestations and management as well as leprosy related reactions and disabilities. 36 participants from 15 district hospitals and 4 central hospitals took part in this course. |
LEPRA is developing a new project proposal to work closely with local NGOs and other community based structures including churches, schools to increase awareness on Leprosy and strengthening communities’ capacities to disseminate health information, carry out health education activities, support patients with disabilities carry out self care practices and otherwise address the health needs of their communities. The project will be administered by LEPRA Administrator and implemented by the regional leprosy officer.
Chilumba Research Centre, Karonga, Northern Malawi
Research work on leprosy, TB and HIV/AIDS continues at LEPRA’s Research Centre in Karonga. 2005 has seen recruitment of a new site manager, Nuala McGrath and Dr. Neil French has recently taken over as Programme Director from Professor Paul Fine who will be retiring in 2006. Sadly the Assistant Field Director of KPS, Frank Mwaungulu was tragically killed in a road accident in August.
RESEARCH |
Methylprednisolone research study: Dr Diana Lockwood
This three year research study will begin in September 2005 and will be co-funded by American Leprosy Missions and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. The study aims to build on the success of the LEPRA/Follereau Luxembourg funded INFIR studies (the ILEP Co-ordinated Programme of Research on Nerve Function Impairment and Reactions in Leprosy). Methylprednisolone is used to treat inflammatory disorders, and make it a suitable candidate for use in leprosy reversal reactions, although it has not been used for this purpose before. This pilot study will evaluate the use of the drug for leprosy reactions and determine the level of its effectiveness. |
Reversal reactions are caused by the increased activity of the body’s immune system in fighting the leprosy bacillus or even the remains of dead bacilli. This leads to inflammation wherever there are leprosy bacilli in the body – mainly in the skin and nerves. Reactions are the main cause of nerve damage and impairment in leprosy.
Operational Research
Dr John Porter, Chairman of LEPRA’s Medical Advisory Board has facilitated an exciting new working partnership between LEPRA India and the Maharashtra Association for Anthropological Sciences in Pune. It is planned they will collaborate on important new operational research work in LEPRA India projects. 13/09/2005.
LEPRA awarded Big Lottery Fund grant. LEPRA has recently been awarded £560,000 to help fight diseases in one of the poorest parts of India. The money from the Big Lottery Fund will cover 75% of the cost of a five-year project in Mayurbhanj, a rural district in the state of Orissa and the money will be used to combat leprosy, TB and malaria in the region.
Terry Vasey, LEPRA's Chief Executive said "This is an exciting chance to build a lasting legacy for the people of Mayurbhanj. Thousands are dying unnecessarily from TB and malaria and untreated leprosy leads to many more being permanently disabled every year. Lepra can make the difference by working alongside local people to put them in a position to meet these needs themselves. The Big Lottery Fund grant will go a long way towards making this a reality."
Two million people live in Mayurbhanj and more than three-quarters of these live below the poverty line. Most do not have access to education and health services.
Over the next five years, thanks to the £560,000 grant, LEPRA will be able to train local health professionals and volunteers; provide health education in isolated villages; set-up specialist services for complicated leprosy cases and create support networks for people recovering from leprosy, TB or malaria. Fundraising for the remaining 25% of the cost - £187,000 - is now a priority for LEPRA. 08/09/2005. |
Mayurbhanj facts and figures |
LEPRA officially opens new HQ. LEPRA's new Colchester Headquarters was officially opened on 1st September 2005 by our President Sir Christian Bonington CBE at a special opening ceremony where a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the occassion. Also in attendance were The Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester (Councillor Terry Sutton and Mrs Wilma Sutton), Mr Bob Russell (MP for Colchester) and other local dignitaries.
|
|
LEPRA had spent the previous two years investigating the options available once the lease on our old premises expired in July 2004. After careful consideration the Executive Committee agreed that the best alternative was to purchase its own property. The premises were identified and with the assistance of preferential mortgage rates from Barclays Bank the purchase of the building was completed in November 2004. From there it was necessary to convert it into offices and fit it out to the requirements of LEPRA. This was a painstaking exercise and we are extremely grateful for the professional advice received from amongst others Chris O’Mahoney of Wollastons Solicitors, Ian Harvey of Dudley Smith, and Nicholas Percival of Nicholas Percival & Company. The work on the new building was completed in April 2005 and LEPRA successfully moved in and were fully operational within one day.
The purchase of its own premises has not only secured LEPRA’s future but has done so at a yearly cost that is no more than LEPRA was paying for its leased accommodation. 01/09/2005.
|
Celebrity Watch Auction 2005. Our 2005 on-line auction - known as ‘A Race Against Time' - will be launched on 18th November 2005. The auction is being backed by celebrity Mel Smith, who is very keen to support this appeal and help raise awareness of LEPRA.
Mel Smith is well known for TV programmes such as Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones both co-starring Griff Rhys-Jones. He has also appeared in big-screen films including Trevor Nunn's Twelfth Night and has directed several films, including Bean (with TV co-star, Rowan Atkinson) and High Heels and Low Life . This will be LEPRA's fourth celebrity auction and as in previous years we will be auctioning the items we receive on e-bay. We are sure it will be as successful as the previous auctions where we have sold lots of celebrity memorabilia ranging from a pair of Rio Ferdinand's football boots to a diamond and sapphire ring from Heather Mills McCartney. Keep a check on our website for further information so that you don't miss out on the chance to bid for a watch from your favourite celebrity! 22/08/2005. |
 |
Update from Bangladesh. LEPRA Bangladesh now has its Country Coordination office at Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and some changes have been made in the management structure in line with our growth and development process. Mr Farhad Ahmed Majumder joined the team in April 2005 as Director of the country programme. He has extensive experience in development, disability, health, emergency relief & disasters and training.
 |
There are five staff members working in the Country Coordination Office to ensure better coordination and support to the projects. Target Tuberculosis, a UK-based donor, helped to establish the office, purchasing a vehicle (used to monitor field activities and to ensure timely support to the team) and office equipment such as a photocopier, computer & printers, fax, telephone connection, PABX system, digital camera and other equipment.
This picture shows the road vehicles must take to reach the project area. The road is on the bank of river Jamuna and is often flooded. |
The LTCC-Leprosy & TB Coordination Committee has chosen the LEPRA Bangladesh Country Director to take on the office of National Administrator of the forum. He is also one of the Executive Members of NFOWD-National Forum of Organizations Working with Disability.
Three of our direct projects in Bangladesh have been successfully completed during the first of the year 2005. They are the Post Flood Rehabilitation Project (£22,985 used for re-building houses and to help 299 families rebuild their livelihood), Thana Health Complex Laboratory Upgrade project (24 THCs & 3 Chest diseases Hospitals at district level upgraded with Biological hood, an exhauster extraction fan, a Sink with running water facility, a table, chairs and other furniture) and IEC (Mass awareness) on Lymphatic Filariasis in five districts (Training for NGO workers and community volunteers, distribution of guidebooks, posters and leaflets, advocacy meetings and orientation with influential leaders and Government officials). Two of the three projects were in direct collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh. The TB Control and leprosy Elimination project is still ongoing.
The TB and Leprosy Control Project in Sylhet division (implemented by our partner NGO, HEED-Bangladesh) was also completed in March 2005. A financial audit and evaluation of the project has also been carried out.
Recent Facts
|
Improving awareness. In Bangladesh, buses are the best forms of media to display messages and raise awareness to a wide range of people. Following successful negotiations between LEPRA Bangladesh and the Metropolitan Bus Owner Association, on the 1st of January buses started displaying painted messages raising awareness on LF |
 |
|
Post Flood Rehabilitation - a case story. Mr. Rahim has been suffering from Leprosy for the last 10 - 12 years. He’s cured now after undergoing treatment for 3 years received from LEPRA Bangladesh’s Shathia clinic. Since contracting Leprosy his neighbours were very unkind to him, and he struggled to provide for the seven members of his family. Because of his poverty the LEPRA Rehabilitation Program given gave him Tk. 5,000 (£46) as an interest free loan in 2003. He was given a further Tk. 4,000 (£37) as an interest free loan in 2004 for his shop. Because of this his neighbours started to visit his shop to buy groceries and started to chat to him about their daily chores. Some have even asked his advise on symptoms they fear might be related to leprosy, acknowledging the fact that although he had the disease himself, he is now cured. Rahim believes his success was only made possible because of LEPRA Bangladesh. |
Thana Health complex Laboratory Upgrade. Previous experience working in TB and Leprosy control has shown that Laboratory Technicians are vulnerable to infections due to their laboratories being poorly equipped. A Biological hood is one of the most cost effective pieces of equipment to prevent the technician from contracting TB. These have now been given to 27 Thana Health complexes across Bangladesh. 12/08/2005. |
 |
Kilamanjaro Expedition for LEPRA. Hayden Dixon, a dentist in Colchester shares his experience in Kenya raising £1850 for LEPRA.
On 19th February I set off from Machame gate for a gruelling 6 day trek up the tallest mountain in Africa; Kilimanjaro. Depending upon which stats you read, somewhere between one third and one half of all attempts actually make it to the summit. The odds were stacked against me!
 |
Accompanied by an old university friend, 2 guides and 8 porters we set off at a steady pace, stopping occasionally for a rest and bite to eat, or simply to admire the view. The scenery was impressive. Initially thick vegetation, gradually thinning as we ascended, eventually giving way to barren rock and dust. The going was relatively slow. The Masai phrase “pole-pole”, pronounced “poly-poly” means “slowly”, and we heard it continually during the ascent.
|
After each days hike, the porters set up the tent and cooked us relatively tasty meals, made certain we were drinking plenty to prevent altitude sickness, and measured our heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Aside from headaches we seemed to be holding together pretty well.
 |
We were woken at 11:30pm after only 1 hours sleep to start the push for the summit. Adorned in our warmest clothing and wearing headtorches we set out from camp, hiking through an extremely cold night up loose scree. Each footstep taken slipped half a step backwards. It was gruelling. To make matters worse, my companion started vomiting due to the altitude. Nevertheless we persevered, and stood at the highest point on the continent a little after 7am on 23rd February.
|
Looking back, it was an amazing experience and well worth the effort. A big thank you to all those who sponsored me raising money for LEPRA. 29/07/2005.
LEPRA's 81st Annual AGM. LEPRA’s 81st Annual General Meeting was held on the 6th July at The Royal Institute of Great Britain, and was opened by Sir Christian Bonington, LEPRA’s President. The meeting was well attended by LEPRA supporters, Executive Board members, Medical Advisory Board members and staff.
Our guest speaker was Dr Anton Pozniak, a member of LEPRA's Medical Advisory Board and Head of the HIV unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Dr. Pozniak (who was featured in LEPRA News Winter 2004/05) is on the Executive Board of the British HIV Association where he has helped to co-ordinate and write their Anti-Viral HIV Guidelines. He is also Chair of the TB/HIV Guidelines Committee; Chair of PACT (Provider of AIDS Care and Treatment); an advisor on HIV/AIDS to the UK Government, and also a trustee of the Terrence Higgins Trust – the UK’s largest HIV charity. Dr Pozniak gave a thought provoking talk entitled HIV - One Disease, Two Worlds, Three Drugs in which he described the challenges presented in treating HIV/AIDS in poor countries, how these are currently being met and how best to improve the help offered in the future. |
 |
A gift was also presented to Dr Pat Rose at the AGM. Pat was Clinical Consultant to LEPRA for many years, and served on both the Medical Advisory Board and the Executive Committee. She had previously worked in Guyana undertaking leprosy control work. She travelled widely throughout India, Africa and South America, visiting projects and encouraging and monitoring staff; and published many papers on leprosy, insisting that this work was not about statistics, but people.
If you would like a copy of LEPRA’s 2004 Annual Review or Report & Accounts, please call 01206 216700 or visit the About LEPRA section of our website. 12/08/2005.
Restoring health, hope and dignity in Orissa. Doug Soutar, LEPRA’s Programmes Director will soon be leaving LEPRA to take up the post of General Secretary of ILEP (International Federation of Anti-leprosy Associations). He has recently returned from a field visit to India and reports here on the story of a young woman he met in Orissa.
 |
Lalita is 20 years old and lives in Jeypore in Orissa in Eastern India. Her father has a small garment business and she has studied up to the end of secondary school. She lives with her parents and one brother. One and half years ago she developed an anaesthetic patch on her face.
Her mother took her to a private doctor who prescribed some skin cream. But after another two months the patch became red and swollen. A neighbour suggested she go the LEPRA India project based in Jeypore. Fortunately she took her neighbour's advice and the doctor there diagnosed leprosy. By this time Lalita had already suffered some nerve damage and had anaesthetic feet. She was immediately put onto a twelve month course of multi-drug therapy (MDT) treatment. As soon as she began taking the MDT drugs she would have become non-infectious. However, even during treatment people can suffer severe immune reactions and these in turn can cause both pain and further nerve damage and disability.
|
In Lalita’s case ten months into her treatment she was found to have just such a serious reaction and she was admitted to our inpatient ward for treatment and physiotherapy. By this time she also had ulcers on her feet which were badly infected. The wounds were so bad that they were infested with maggots and the bone was in danger of being damaged. But with care and attention from LEPRA staff her reaction was brought under control and her ulcers cleaned, treated and healed. When I met her it was her warm smile which said it all for me. She had completed her treatment, was cured of leprosy and her damaged feet were now back in good condition. She had also been provided with special protective footwear to avoid ulcers recurring. And the following day she was excited to tell me she would be going home. She also told me that in two months time she was going to be married. For me this was an excellent example of how the support we are able to bring not only helps to cure people from a terrible disease but also helps restore the hope and dignity that leprosy so often takes away. This girl’s story for me sums up so much of what LEPRA is about and made me proud to have been part of the LEPRA family for the last ten and half years. 15/07/2005. |
 |
Bike Ride through Constable Country. Why not join us for a leisurely bike ride through the beautiful Constable Countryside and surrounding villages on Sunday 21st August 2005 - and enjoy a Free Barbeque at the finish!
 |
The route will start at the Hare & Hounds Pub in East Bergholt - the town where artist John Constable was born. This pretty village is located just off the A12 between Colchester and Ipswich. Our route follows the National Cycle Network for much of the way, passing beautiful countryside, rivers and quaint villages. There are a great choice of pubs around Lavenham, Flatford and Dedham – or you may wish to stop for a picnic by the river Stour in Dedham – a good spot! You don’t have to be super fit or have a fantastic bike, so long as both are in good working order! Two routes are available, a 40 mile route or 15 mile route designed for families or the not so keen cyclist! The ride will start and finish at The Hare & Hounds Pub in East Bergholt, where there will be a barbecue waiting for you, FREE to all entrants, courtesy of the Hare & Hounds Pub. All we ask is that each cyclist raises minimum sponsorship of £25 per adult, equivalent to curing 1 person of leprosy or TB and £5 for children. Fundraising materials will be available, as well as hints and tips on fundraising! It is only through people’s continued support and generous donations that LEPRA can continue to treat people living with Leprosy, TB and other diseases of poverty. Why not give yourself a challenge – cycle miles and help make smiles! |
To request an application form, call Lizzie Dearling on 01206 216734 or email lizzie_dearling@lepra.org.uk. Entrance fee is £5 per person or £15 for a family - Cheques made payable to LEPRA. You can also download an application form, by clicking here. 04/07/2005.
January 2006 Supporters Trip announced. LEPRA is organising another Supporters trip in January 2006. This is your chance to take a challenging emotional and spiritual journey around parts of India with LEPRA. On the tour you will become immersed in the culture of India and interact with local people. You will see LEPRA in action and visit a range of different projects and join the local people in world leprosy week celebrations. You will meet patients who depend on LEPRA for assistance and see how our work benefits entire communities.
"An amazing and eye opening experience, both humbling and inspiring" was how supporter Barbara Moore described the trip she made last November. Barbara travelled to India with 2 other ladies taking the opportunity to make the trip of a life time and visit people who have been helped through their support. Barbara had a fantastic trip which you can see from her comments below.
I would like to say how much I enjoyed my time in India with LEPRA. It was an amazing experience - both inspiring and humbling - and it has certainly changed my approach to many of the day to day irritations that we all come across. I have a photograph of one of the patients we met through Hylep in my office at work (the lady who paints sieves) - she had such a positive approach even after everything she has been through and her lovely smile is one of my main memories. Looking at her photo reminds me that if I am having a bad day at work (which will usually be for something very unimportant!) I need to adopt the same approach. We were all extremely impressed with the work that LEPRA does - from encouraging patients to help themselves, to the high level research at the Blue Peter Research Centre. The message of health, hope and dignity - not just about treating a disease but about the impact it has on a person's life and how to help them and their families deal with that - came across very strongly. I am extremely grateful and thankful to all the LEPRA India staff for the time they spent showing us the work they do. It was lovely to feel part of it for a short time and to share patient stories with us, which made us realise just how lucky we are. Also to your wonderful drivers for keeping us safe on the roads, and for their patience in waiting for us wherever we went. |
 |
I really had a great trip and wish LEPRA every success in all their projects and look forward to hearing about LEPRA India's progress in the future. Barbara Moore – India Supporters Trip, November 2004
If you would like to know more about our next Supporters Trip in January 2006 or want information about any of our other overseas events, please call Lizzie Dearling on 01206 216734 or email lizzie_dearling@lepra.org.uk. The cost of the Supporters Trip will be £950 which includes all travel, food and accommodation costs. 22/06/2005.
 |
Donate as you Spend. If you enjoy shopping online for clothes, books, CD’s, DVD's etc why not shop through LEPRA’s shopping village. The shopping village contains links to well known retailer site via an affiliate. Whenever you buy from one of the listed retailers the affiliate site records the purchase and a percentage of the sale value is donated to LEPRA. The sale costs the shopper exactly the same amount as if they had bought directly from the sellers own website, but by going via the link on our shopping village LEPRA can benefit too. Lots of well known retailers are part of this scheme including Argos, Debenhams and PC World. It is very straight forward just click on the shopping village logo on the LEPRA home page or click this link and then select the retailer you wish to you buy from and just start shopping! 22/06/2005. |
Supporter shares a gift with LEPRA. One of LEPRA's supporters whose own 80th birthday coincided with the charity's anniversary celebrations last year decided to mark this joint auspicious occasion by kindly making a gift of shares. A gift of shares not only provides for capital growth but also income from the dividends for LEPRA. Since April 2000 the gift of quoted shares has been a tax efficient method of donating to a UK charity. These gifts are not only exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), but can also reduce your taxable income by the value of the shares gifted.
Companies can get corporation tax relief for gifts to charity for the same types of investment - this is in addition to relief from corporation tax on capital gains on gifts to charity of shares, securities and other assets.
For example, a higher rate tax payer donating shares to the value of £10,000 could receive a combined tax saving of £8,000, leaving the cost to the donor of only £2,000. This is dependant on the level of CGT applicable. A Gift Aided donation of the same amount would have a net cost to the donor of £6,000.
If you feel this highly tax efficient method of supporting LEPRA might be advantageous to you as well as ourselves, please contact our Finance Director Ian Gibbons (Telephone 01206 216710, e-mail ian_gibbons@lepra.org.uk) who will be happy to advise on the procedure for gifting shares and answer any questions you might have. 01/06/2005.
 |
Flora London Marathon 2005. This spectacular event, which took place on 17th April, was a fantastic day with as ever thousands of happy people turning up to cheer and support the brave runners. The weather was fantastic, and the sun shone brightly all day. LEPRA had 15 runners, and we would like to thank them all for all their hard work and support, together with the many people that sponsored them. LEPRA had a post marathon reception, whereby we offered refreshments, showers and a well deserve leg rub, this was appreciated by all those who attended and it was lovely to meet them. To read the thoughts of one runner, Doug Frame, who had one of our Golden Bond places click here. We look forward to next years Marathon and hope to have even more runners. If you are interested in running for LEPRA in next year's Marathon or in any of our other events, please call Lizzie Dearling 01206 216734 or email fundraising@lepra.org.uk. Once again, well done and thank you to everyone who took part in the Flora London Marathon 2005. 20/05/2005. |
Latest News from Brazil. Eliza Jones, LEPRA's Senior Programmes Officer, recently visited MORHAN’s active groups in 3 municipalities in Ceará with high leprosy prevalence and was able to be present at several activities and meetings.
 |
In Juazeiro do Norte over 30 teenagers participated in an awareness raising workshop with members of a church youth group. This led to a positive outcome for the MORHAN group, increasing the number of volunteers the group can call on for future awareness raising activities. In Sobral the group has developed a very strong link with Trajano de Medeiro school and with a poor slum community in Recanto. Involvement with the school began first through leprosy awareness raising activities – the school is in a poor area of Sobral with a high incidence of leprosy. After the awareness raising talk, 6 new cases were discovered among pupils. Through parent groups, the school has been very effective in developing strong community links. Local community health workers have been able to help community members obtain registration documents needed to access benefits and services. More residents are now playing an active part in the residents’ association, forming delegations to meet with the water authorities concerning the lack of facilities in their area. |
In Maracanau a meeting was held in the presence of different municipal authorities (social action, planning, civil works, legal department) and a representative from Habitat International as part of the process to look into social housing for ex-leprosy patients and their families and other low income families living in the former Antonio Justa leprosarium. 20/05/2005.
| Big Feat for Little Feet in London. Why not get out and enjoy the Summer sun - come and join in the fun with a 6 mile sponsored walk in London, on Sunday 12th June 2005, suitable for all the family and passing some of the Capital's most beautiful and historic sites, including Buckingham Palace, Horseguards Parade, Westminster, the London Eye, HMS Belfast and Southwark Cathedral to name a few! This is a great opportunity to support LEPRA and have a great day out with friends and family. For an application pack or for details on how to get involved with other Fundraising events and activities in the South East, please contact Rupa-Dey on 020 8420 2765 or email rupa-dey_amin@lepra.org.uk. 03/05/2005. |  |
Visit report from Bangladesh. Doug Soutar, Programme Director, and Rokunuz Zaman, Programme Officer, from LEPRA's Head Office recently visited LEPRA Bangladesh to assist in the Growth and Development process of country program, monitoring of project’s progress, identifying new initiatives and reinforcing network activities in the country. They also met national and International NGOs, Government officials and supporters and visited NGO activities. LEPRA Bangladesh's Growth and Development plan includes the foundation of a new office based in Dhaka, closer to the decision making hub of the country. A new Country Director, Mr. Farhad Ahmed Mojumder, and Financial Controller, Mr. Hemayet Uddin Ahmed, have been recruited in Dhaka to ensure better management, communication, coordination and network at national and International level.
 |
Two new IEC Vans, equipped with LCD projector, VCR, Microphone and other communication materials, will be added by the end of June 2005. These will help LEPRA Bangladesh to ensure more effective Information, Education and Communication activities on health issues. In addition, two more Medical Officers have been recruited to ensure better quality support to the on-going TB and Leprosy projects. The TB Control project in Sirajganj, Pabna and Natore Districts covering 24 Thana Health Complex and 3 Chest Diseases Hospitals is performing well and in line with planned targets. Directly Observed Treatment Short courses (DOTS) are ongoing in the project areas along with strengthening capacities of the Government Health Services through training and upgrading laboratory facilities. The Leprosy Elimination and Health Education projects in Sirajganj, Natore, Pabna and Bogra districts are running smoothly with good results. |
Lymphatic Filariasis awareness raising activities are running smoothly in 5 northern districts of Bangladesh at Rajshahi, Nowabgonj, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Kurrigram. The projects aim is to support the National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program of the Health Directorate of Bangladesh.
The Thana Health Complex Laboratory upgrade project will be completed by the end of June 2005. This includes replacement of equipment, installation of scientific tools, modernisation of facilities and training of technical staff.
A Post Flood Rehabilitation project to support 271 TB and leprosy patients in Sirajganj, Pabna and Natore districts are running well. Rebuilding village houses, building new village houses and seed money along with training to re-start businesses are the main activities of this project. Our thanks goes out to The Saint Lazarus Charitable Trust, Target-TB UK and Philanthropic Charitable Trust for their financial assistance to our projects in Bangladesh. 20/05/2005.
Prestigious Award for Dr Dinkar Palande. The Vice-Chairman of LEPRA India, Dr. Dinkar Palande, has been awarded the prestigious Manohar Diwan Memorial Award. This award is presented in memory of Shri Manohar who dedicated his life to the service of those with leprosy. Dr. Palande obtained his MS degree in General Surgery in 1962 from the Grant Medical College in Mumbai. Following this he worked for three years in England before returning to India to specialise in orthopaedic surgery.
 |
As a very humane man, his interest focussed on the plight of those with leprosy who were disfigured by their disease. From 1969-1989 he worked tirelessly at the Sacred Heart Leprosy Centre in Kumbakonam, performing reconstructive surgery on crippled hands to straighten out clawed fingers, knowing how important it is not to look ’different’. He devised new and improved techniques in surgery and trained several young surgeons to follow him. Dr Palande said of his award "Work is hardly ever an individual feat, it is always a team effort. Hence the award is a recognition and a credit to all those amongst whom I have worked. For the last 15 years it has been LEPRA. Before that it was Sacred Heart Hospital, Kumbakonam. Thus the Sacred Heart Hospital and our LEPRA family in the UK and in India are the true recipients of the award." This award truly reflects Dr. Palande’s selfless dedication to medical and social service of those whose leprosy has robbed them of their self-respect and their rightful place in society. We are very proud to congratulate him on his excellent achievement. 11/05/2005. |
LEPRA’s Spring Raffle. The draw for our Spring Raffle took place on Friday 29th April. The raffle was drawn by local Editor in Chief, Irene Kettle of the Newsquest Group (Essex) and the winners are:
| 1st prize | Mrs J Reeves of Southampton, Hampshire | £3,000 |
| 2nd Prize | Miss R Slattery of Oxford, Oxfordshire | £1,500 |
| 3rd Prize | Mr R Morris of Llanidloes, Powys | £500 |
| 4th Prize | Mr U Bristol of Perth, Scotland | £300 |
| 5th Prize | Mrs M Woods of Glastonbury, Somerset | £200 |
| 6th Prizes | Mr F Jones of
Oldham, Lancashire |
£100 Each |
In addition, the £500 prize for the person selling the most tickets goes to Mr A Brand of Edinburgh who sold an amazing £185 worth of tickets! The raffle is expected to make £40,000 profit which will help to fund some of LEPRA's new work overseas.
 |
If you prefer not to take part in any future raffles we may hold, please do let us know as we do not wish to upset you in any way. Just call us on 08451 212121 and we will make sure your details are not selected for any future raffles that we may run. LEPRA would like to thank everyone that took part in the draw and would like to send our congratulations to all winners. 03/05/2005. |
Programmes news updates. Below are a few interesting snippets of information and recent developments from our overseas projects in India, Guatemala and Angola.
India. Doug Soutar, LEPRA's Programmes Director has recently been to visit our work in India and found the process of change is continuing rapidly. Leprosy programmes are increasingly integrated into the work of the General Health Services and LEPRA continues to consider the best ways for it to adapt to these new challenges. For example, we are providing technical support to Government health staff to ensure that the services they provide are of the best quality and are accessible to all those who need them. We do this through the provision of District Technical Support Teams in four states, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. We also continue to provide specialist referral services for those patients whom the government doctors find difficult to diagnose or treat. LEPRA continues to diversify its areas of expertise to help address other major public health problems in the areas where it works. These include tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. But the most important evolution of all has been the increasing focus LEPRA India is making on working even more closely with communities themselves to raise their awareness of leprosy and other health problems and to participate in the care and support of those affected. Mobilising communities through "self help groups" is a vital part of the support LEPRA provides and is aimed at helping people help themselves in order to sustain the many achievements LEPRA India has made.
Guatemala. In 2003, more than 90,000 malaria cases were recorded in the Mesoamerican region and of these, Guatemala accounted for 40%. Malaria is a re-emerging disease in Guatemala. Rural communities are particularly affected, which means the disease hits the poorest of the poor. The rainy season is often a time of intense agricultural activity during which poor families earn most of their annual income, and it is the most critical period for malaria to spread. As a result, malaria can make these families even poorer.
The government of Guatemala has identified Ixcan in the department of Quiché as the most endemic district on malaria. LEPRA and the Ministry of Health of Guatemala have agreed the need to take actions for a malaria control programme in Ixcan and the process of registering LEPRA in Guatemala has already started with LEPRA expecting to initiate a malaria control programme this year.
Angola. Following the departure of our previous coordinator towards the end of 2004, LEPRA has now identified a new Medical Coordinator to take over the running of our programmes in Angola .
Dr. Kela Dilumbemeba started in his new position at the start of April and brings with him several years of experience working with other Non-Governmental Organisations and the Ministry of Health as well as an in-depth knowledge of the Moxico province where he has worked for several years.
The potential for the Angolan programme to grow in the next few years is very high and the identification of skilled Angola staff is crucial for the success and sustainability of LEPRA’s efforts in the country. Dr. Dilumbemeba is seen as key appointment towards ensuring the future success of the programme.
African Leprosy Conference. After a gap of 67 years, the second African Leprosy Conference finally took place in Johannesburg from the 31st of January to the 3rd of February 2005 where over 100 delegates representing 42 countries - 27 of them African - were represented.
According to LEPRA's representative, Ms Monica Rosário, apart from the seminars and presentations made by the representatives of the different organisations and Governments, one of the most important aspects of the conference was to allow the opportunity for so many African scientists to meet, network, share experiences and foster relationships. 28/04/2005.
Andy's Half Marathon experience. Andy Wilson, a member of staff from our Head Office in Colchester, took part in the recent London Half Marathon at Silverstone Racing Circuit on 13th March 2005 on behalf of LEPRA.
It has always been my intention to compete in a major distance race, and having never run more than 3 or 4 miles in my life before I decided on running in the 13.1 mile London Half Marathon, with all monies raised going to LEPRA.
Six months of training had seen me progress from a half-mile struggle way back in October to a comfortable 7 mile jog at the start of March. Things were going well until a shoulder injury threatened to disrupt my preparations, but thankfully it was not serious and I could compete in the race, although slightly less prepared than I would have liked.
It was an early start on the race day, with the race starting at midday I needed to leave at 7 to give myself plenty of time. On arrival at Silverstone it struck me how large this event was, with the 8000 runners competing for various different charities or running clubs. Some runners were using the race as preparation for the full Marathon a month later, whilst others (including myself) would be happy just to finish! After a very chilly 30 minute wait on the starting straight, the race began and I had made the sensible decision to take things slowly with a 10 minute mile pace, the same at which most of my training runs were run. The first 3 miles were a breeze, so I decided to speed up to a 9 minute mile pace, and continued through to the 10 mile marker. After this my legs for the first time began to feel tired and the race became very hard indeed!
 |
With 2 miles to go I could hear the Silverstone crowd at the finish line, and despite tired legs and aching knees this gave me a much needed boost, carrying me over the last mile in 7 minutes, surprising myself in the process as my legs were not far from giving up! It was a fun and successful day overall, with a finish time of 2 hours 8 minutes, and over £300 raised for LEPRA. It was as tough as I had expected, as my lack of mobility in the office the day after the race proved! 28/04/2005. |
Ireland Aid proposal success. In October 2004 LEPRA submitted a proposal to Ireland Aid for the first time asking them if they would help to fund District Technical Support Teams in the State of Bihar, one of the poorest and least developed States of India.
 |
In February we received the fantastic news that our proposal for an amount of over €59,000 Euros had been approved! This money will be used to help strengthen the local health systems enabling them to deliver quality primary health care (PHC) services and to increase case detection and cure rates for both leprosy and tuberculosis in the state. |
