⭐️⭐️ GamMed outreach: Changing Lives in The Gambia ⭐️⭐️

We are two physiotherapists (Candice and Gill) feeling very privileged to be joining the next outreach trip with GamMed charity, and we would love your support.

On November 29th, we head to The Gambia to help a team of surgeons provide life-changing care alongside the local medical team.

In The Gambia, injuries are often managed by traditional healers, which while impressive is often inadequate and results in lasting disability.

The charity aims to improve the standard of hospital care in The Gambia and empower local healthcare workers through long-term education and support.

Our team join these trips as volunteers, giving up time and taking leave from their jobs in the U.K. By supporting us, you are directly supporting complex, life-changing surgery and rehabilitation that would otherwise be very limited, if not impossible. This care will literally change the lives of adults and children who suffer disability due to poorly healed fractures and burns, or extensive injuries usually following trauma.

On previous trips we have seen poorly healed fractures surgically repaired, misaligned limbs straightened, and shortened legs set on course for restored length. We have seen infection managed and limbs saved with delicate plastic surgery.

Imagine a 9 year old who hasn’t walked for over a year, now moving around independently on crutches under the nervous but overjoyed watch of her mum (who has tears in her eyes - as do we!)

It’s hard to picture a 12 year old whose burns are so extensive that he has lost the use of an arm and hand, and is unable to close one eye or his mouth. After several intricate plastic surgeries over the course of a year, he has some function restored to his arm, and he is able to close his eye and mouth. His eye and teeth are now less susceptible to infection or more serious long term problems. His communication and eating comes more easily. The joy and humility at seeing him reach for and blow up a balloon only a couple of days after surgery, just as any other child would happily do, is beyond words.

The Gambia is a poor country. Less than half the population has access to electricity. Medical staff and resources are scarce and much of the equipment is outdated. Healthcare in Gambia is improving but needs support to build on skills and secure good basic equipment.

Your generosity will help us provide care that transforms lives. It will allow us to offer support and share experience with the local professionals. Each and every donation, big or small, also supports the shipment of valuable and much needed medical and rehab equipment, and allows us to travel and help there for a week - enabling us to continue this work.

We can make a significant impact in The Gambia with your support. Thank you for for helping make this happen!