Physiotherapy Volunteering Mission in Tanzania

Hello! My name is Sandra Furey, and I am 25 years old from Cork, Ireland. I am a passionate masters physiotherapist student in Edinburgh Scotland, soon to be qualified in October. This November, I have the incredible opportunity to volunteer for 3 weeks in an orthopaedic ward in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where access to rehabilitative care is limited and support is desperately needed.

In Tanzania, many patients recovering from traumatic injuries such as fractures, surgeries, or musculoskeletal injuries don't receive the adequate physiotherapy necessary for a full recovery, not because of lack of effort, but because resources and trained professionals are limited.

I will be working directly with local healthcare teams to;

• provide essential hands-on physiotherapy to patients on the ward

• share knowledge and training with local staff to build long-term impact

• support recovery and mobility in a population where rehabilitation is often unavailable.

I am fundraising to cover the essential costs of this self-funded volunteering trip. The essential costs includes flights (£1,200), Work the World agency fees (£2,790) (accommodation and security), indemnity insurance (£190) and visa (£100), vaccinations and medical equipment (scrubs and personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves) (£340), and transport to and from the hospital (£300).

The total goal is £5,000 (5,800 euro).

Every penny raised will go directly towards making this trip possible. Any extra will be donated to the hospital in Tanzania to buy equipment to aid and optimise patients’ recovery.

I will be sharing updates of this journey before, during and after the trip - so you can see exactly how your support is making a difference.

This trip isn't just about my personal growth or career development as a physiotherapist. It's about helping others in real need. Everyone deserves the chance to move freely, live independently, and recovery with dignity after injury or illness - not just those living in wealthier countries with better healthcare systems such as Ireland or Scotland. Being able-bodied and mobile should never depend on where you’re born. Through this volunteer programme, I hope to support that basic right, by helping people access the care they need to rebuild strength, mobility, and hope for their future.

I understand that not everyone is in the position to donate. However, please consider sharing this page so that it can reach as many people as possible.

Thank you for standing with me in this mission. Your support helps bring that right closer to reality for more people.

Forever Grateful,

Sandra Furey