Hi, my name is Marion, and I am fundraising to take part in a 2–3 week dental volunteering programme in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ - International Volunteering HQ

I am a survivor of domestic abuse, and community healthcare has always been at the very heart of who I am. As a dental student many years ago, I immersed myself fully in my Dental School Community Services Programmes and served on the Student Committee for Community Dentistry. Every weekend, every half-term, and every winter and summer holiday, I showed up—tirelessly—for the final years of my student life. I do not simply work in community healthcare; I live and breathe it.

For the past five years, I have delivered dental services within the UK Prison Service, receiving minimal financial reward but immense personal fulfilment through contributing to rehabilitation, dignity, and improved wellbeing within the HMP community. My work as a Dental Surgeon has never been “just about teeth”—it is deeply holistic, grounded in compassion, and centred on uplifting lives in every sense.

Recently, my life changed dramatically. I suffered a heart attack, lost my job, and was unable to work for almost a year. This period brought devastating financial, physical, and personal losses. Despite this, I am determined to rise again and continue contributing meaningfully to the lives of those experiencing deprivation and disadvantage. I want to volunteer with intention, love, and humility—bringing my clinical skills, 30 years of experience, and deep commitment to service where they are most needed.

My goal is to volunteer in Cusco, Peru, for 2–3 weeks 29 March 2026 , depending on the success of my fundraising efforts. I have chosen Peru because my daughter is half South American, and I have already dedicated many years of voluntary service in South Africa, where I was born and qualified as a Dental Surgeon.

My fundraising needs include:

I have been a broken human being for a very long time—but I have pieced myself back together, including my heart, quite literally. While I am alive and breathing, I want to give as much of myself as possible to uplifting the world through my time, skills, and love for humanity.

Any donation—no matter the size—will be received with deep gratitude. Every person who supports this journey becomes part of something far greater: a shared mission to heal, uplift, and restore dignity through compassionate healthcare.

Together♥️

Muchas gracias a todos