KSLP Fundraising Expedition Page

[p]I am a member of the King’s College London Alumni and the Expedition Leader for the King’s College London to King’s Sierra Leone Partnership 2018 Fundraising Expedition. In February and March 2018 I rode my adventure motorcycle from London to Freetown to raise money for the King’s Sierra Leone Partnership in support of their vital work with Sierra Leonean medical schools to train urgently-needed doctors, nurses and surgeons. [/p][p]The expedition was a very demanding solo, unsupported and self-funded London to Freetown rally navigation endeavour which, at its core, included a 11 day Paris-Dakar segment. The journey was undertaken by myself on an adventure motorcycle, starting at King’s College London (Strand, London) on Friday 16th February and concluded at the King’s Sierra Leone Partnership Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Monday 5th March 2018. The entire route was 7,200 km (4,500 miles) in total crossing 9 countries, with the Paris-Dakar legs making up 5,250 km of that distance spanning 6 countries and, notably, the Sahara. Testing man and machine to the limit over a prolonged period in challenging, austere and character-building conditions, completion of the journey was the principal goal in order to raise funds for the King’s Sierra Leone Partnership.[/p][p]Originally, I had decided to raise money to help cover the costs of sending volunteer medical specialists to Sierra Leone for six months to assist the KSLP to strengthen the Sierra Leonean medical services following the devastating effects of civil war and Ebola. However, following my arrival at the Connaught Hospital in March (see photo), I was shown around the hospital’s oxygen plant and was briefed that the plant had failed approximately one month prior to my arrival. The very serious consequences associated with the loss of a reliable oxygen generating capability were explained by the KSLP Country Director, Dr Dan Youkee. Soon after, Dr Youkee asked me if the money raised could be used to get the plant back online. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, I agreed immediately. I therefore reset the target to meet the financial needs to get the plant back on line. In particular, I sought to raise enough for a new oxygen compressor, other associated plant equipment and a healthy supply of spare parts.[/p][p]Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me knowing that 100% of your donation will be quickly processed and passed to the King's Sierra Leone Partnership to ensure that the hospital has a reliable on-demand life-saving oxygen supply. Please note that Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations, whatever the amount. KB[/p]