I am Running the Rift Marathon in Western Uganda in three weeks time. I signed up in February, it was one my “I thought it was a good idea” decisions at the time. I thought it is time to see if I've managed to beat the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or so called ME) I've been diagnosed with 5 years ago. As you can imagine I had my doubts since then, and especially over the last 3 month of sometimes grueling training. However one thing kept me going, and that is the good cause that the organizers give the proceeds to – Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC). A charity that helps Ugandan children with disabilities, a service hugely needed in this part of the world and making such an enormous and important difference. 

Approximately 1 in 10 children in Uganda are born with a disability
and many more develop disabilities early on in life due to poor diet, illness or injury. Many communities in Uganda regard disability as a curse, a bad omen, a punishment from God or the result of witchcraft and this often leaves families isolated and alone.

Kyaninga Child Development Centre provide Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and daily respite care services to children from birth to age 16 with special needs and their families in the Kabarole District of Uganda. They are working with the children to achieve their optimum potential so that they may overcome many of the barriers that they and their families face in the short and longer terms.

With very few resources and services available to children
with disabilities, families must often bear the additional burden and expense of travelling long distances to access specialist medical care. There are very few resources or specialists available in the area to help with special needs and their parents, the budget for people with disabilities for the entire district is just about USD4000/year.

KCDC tries to make access to care and therapy as affordable as possible. However they depend on the support of donors, sponsors and well-wishers. That is why I would very much appreciate if you could donate as much as you can - I am proud to say that Barclay's is going to match your donation!