We are completely delighted to be getting married in September 2013! We are in the very fortunate position of already having collected two houses worth of essentials, so we would like to use our wedding to support those less well off than ourselves. Rather than having a wedding list, we would ask that you donate to Kiwoko Hospital in Uganda.

We have both spent time in Uganda (and indeed got engaged there), so it is very appropriate for us to support Kiwoko Hospital. Steve worked there during 2007 and visits frequently. When we were both there last in December 2012 we were able to work together to help a small child from the local orphanage in need of medical help that could not be provided locally - Catriona safely anaesthetised the girl so that Steve could place a surgical feeding tube, enabling her to get the nutrition she needs.

The hospital is situated 80km north of Kampala, and serves a rural population of approximately 500,000, in the region known as the Luwero Triangle made infamous during the 1981-86 civil war when approximately 1/3 of the population was killed. Most of the local people are subsistence farmers, and poverty has been on the increase as the price for cash crops falls. The healthcare at Kiwoko began in 1988 when Dr Ian Clarke, an Irish GP, came to work here. From clinics held under a tree, and then in the local church vestry, a health centre and then a hospital were built. The hospital now has 250 beds on 7 wards – male and female (medical and surgical), paediatric, nutrition, TB, maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care. It has a twin theatre suite that is well equipped by Ugandan standards. It also has a nationally recognised Nurse and Laboratory Training School. The hospital functions on a budget of only £600,000 per year. It is a Christian hospital that serves the needs of the local and extended community. Although patients have to pay for their treatment, no one in need is turned away – a “Good Samaritan Fund” pays for them. However in reality, only 30% of the funding comes from patient fees, with 10% from the government, while 60% comes from outside agencies, hence our desire to contribute.

For some personal experience of living and working there, have a look at Steve's blog (www.kiwokosteve.blogspot.com), and you'll see what an impact working there has had on him. Its an amazing place, directly sharing God's love with the local community in a very practical way, and making a real difference in the health of the Uganda people.

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