Inspired by India
India and LEPRA Health in Action had a profound impact on Margaret. Returning from the 2008 LEPRA India Bike Ride, she knew instantly that she had to go back. After discussing her options with LEPRA, Margaret decided that teaching English was what she wanted to do. LEPRA put her in touch with a headmaster in India who offered her a position in his school. On completing a teaching course she signed up for the 2009 bike ride and left for her new home.
Having completed the 2009 ride, Margaret stayed behind in India. “I stayed in India for five months living in a leprosy colony in Jeypore, Orissa, teaching spoken English in a school and helping on LEPRA projects.”
“Initially I did spend a lot of my time at school but the height of the summer was at the end of March-May. It was the summer holiday so I spent more time with LEPRA.”
“I visited new grain banks and delivered bicycles to leprosy patients. I opened a community centre for sex workers in the Koraput district as a meeting place for the women. I spent quite a bit of time at the in-patient ward in Koraput, I was even able to do a bit of yoga with the patients.”
“LEPRA staff do such a great and work such long hours. I’ll continue to do all I can to help support them.”
Since returning from India Margaret has also visited Madagascar, fundraising for LEPRA on a bike ride in Madagascar in 2010.
Get involved, contact our events team to find out more about LEPRA’s events and how you can take part in fundraising for LEPRA.
Posted by admin 16:15 15.10.2009
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“Before I was due to go out to India I came down with swine flu. The crew were so helpful, they even rode my bike for me up some of the steeper climbs!”
Supporter and fundraising cyclist!
