Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

Imagine the world around you in darkness. For millions of people in southern Ethiopia this darkness is a reality. In a developing country, blindness takes away so much more than vision. It can impede your ability to gain an education. It can prevent you from finding employment. It can lead you and your family into a life of extreme poverty.

When blindness is prevented, it doesn't just improve the lives of individuals. It strengthens their communities. Men and women can return to work. Children go back to school. People can contribute to their community helping to build a better future for their families.

The Challenge
More than one million Ethiopians are blind, and close to three million have low vision. The country also has a high prevalence of trachoma — a highly contagious and completely preventable eye disease that can result in blindness after years of repeated infection. With these challenges, Ethiopia faces immense difficulties to meet the healthcare needs of its population, particularly in rural areas.

The Response
Orbis are training both community representatives and health-care workers in all aspects of eye care, from awareness of services, identification, diagnosis, referral and treatment.

They are addressing the enormous challenge of trachoma in Ethiopia by implementing the World Health Organization’s SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face cleanliness and Environmental improvement).

They are raising awareness by teaching community health workers, teachers, local women’s group leaders and community leaders about eye health and hygiene.

They are training nurses to diagnose trichiasis and perform corrective surgeries at primary healthcare units in accessible rural locations - the surgery stops the disease in its tracks, alleviating pain and restoring sight.

So WHAT can WE DO?

Well, to get your attention and show my commitment to Orbis I will:

- On October 15th, run the 10k Shoreditch Park Relay blindfolded with Katie, Tash, Glo and Jen as my trusted guides! 

- In November, travel to Ethiopia, for my eighth successive year, to complete the Great Ethiopian Run. 



I am paying all travel costs and expenses out of my own pocket; so if you choose to support me, all your money will go DIRECTLY to Orbis.
“But what about administration costs?”, I hear you say. Well, with an average among global charities of 20%; Orbis is proud to boast a much lower level of 14% of their expenditure on administrative activities. 

But WHERE will the MONEY GO? WHAT GOOD WILL IT DO?

You know the surgery to treat trichiasis and stop blindness in its tracks?

It costs just £5.

YOU could save someone’s sight! :)

With love and thanks,
Louise 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.