Echo in Africa

I am excited and proud to have been selected for the first group of volunteers from Britain to participate in Echo in Africa.
Echo in Africa is an humanitarian project initiated by the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE). The BSE is the professional governing body for Cardiac Sonographers in Britain. The aim of the project is to screen children in Africa for Rheumatic Heart Disease.
Rheumatic heart disease has been almost eradicated in wealthy countries but it remains the most common heart disease among children and young people in developing countries. The condition affects over 15 million people around the world and kills hundreds of thousands a year. Africa has the largest number of children with the disease: in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is limited access to the treatment that could improve survival and allow them to lead normal lives, over a million children are estimated to suffer from the debilitating and often fatal condition. The project is based in Cape Town, South Africa and runs in collaboration with Stellanbosch University (Tygerberg Hospital). It is an 8 week project starting at the end of July 2014, the aim of which is to screen 2000 children from schools in low socio-economic, rural communities. Four schools have already been identified in communities where up to 90% of the students live in very poor living conditions. This project will give these children much needed, early access to diagnosis and target the necessary aftercare through the Tygerberg Hospital. I will be going to South Africa for two weeks in August and I have to pledge a minimum amount of fundraising in order to participate. Funds raised will also be supporting the training of local health professionals and provision of equipment and facilities in the hope that the project can become sustainable.
I will be running the Arran Half Marathon on the 6th July 2014 as well as other activities including baking stalls and curry days at work. I have been very lucky to have good friends, notably Martin Duffy also pledging to undertake activities on my behalf and I cannot thank them enough. Martin will be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 25th.

I understand that finances are tight at the moment but if you are at all able please visit my fundraising page virginmoneygiving.com/RuthKelly18 and donate what ever you feel you can. I am extremely grateful for your support.

Ruth Kelly