Ninewells to Blantyre for Nkhoma Mission Hospital

Hello everyone!

On Monday 18th August this year, I will be setting off for Malawi to begin a 10-week medical elective at Nkhoma Mission Hospital, an hour or so from the nation's capital, Lilongwe. I am admittedly a little nervous but equally excited and grateful for this opportunity to experience an entirely different climate, culture, way of life and, of course, healthcare system.

Nkhoma Hospital is a 250-bed centre which serves a broad patient catchment, providing a variety of both in and out-patient care. From surgery and paediatrics to ophthalmology and physiotherapy, there seems to be a lot happening in this rural wee village! Above all, however, I cannot wait to immerse myself in the Christocentric vision posited by my host hospital. Their mission statement reads, "to provide quality health care for all, inspired by the love of Jesus Christ", and their core values are keeping Jesus central in all that they do and expressing this through love for patients and colleagues. A beautiful vision that places the God-given dignity of every human life at the heart of their caring responsibilities. Indeed, by serving the needs of the sick, doctors tend not just to the patient before them, but to Christ Himself: "I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me [...] And the King will answer them: truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me." (Matt 25:36, 40)

With this in mind, I am hoping to be able to make a financial contribution to my hosts through a fundraising effort this summer. So, on Friday 25th July, I will be embarking upon a symbolic walk from the home of my own medical education at Ninewells Hospital, to the home of influential 19th century explorer, physician and missionary to Malawi, David Livingstone, in Blantyre. For the avoidance of doubt, that's the town in South Lanarkshire, not the second city of Malawi which is named after it! Some of you will also, I'm sure, recognise the significance of the chosen date – the feast of Saint James, patron of walkers and my namesake. I will no doubt need his intercession to complete the 75-mile trek in blister-free good spirits.

I would be incredibly grateful for every and any donation received and please know that 100% of the funds will go toward the work of Nkhoma Mission Hospital. Thank you so much and I'll be sure to say a wee prayer for you all along the way.