World Extreme Medicine founder thanks locals for support in establishing Ukraine convoys
The residents of Beer have received a special thank you for the part they played in raising funds for a series of convoys that continues to deliver crucial supplies and training to frontline medics in Ukraine.
As part of Beer’s Regatta Week, resident Mark Hannaford - the founder of World Extreme Medicine - delivered a well-attended talk at the Congregational Church.
Mark, who has lived in the East Devon village for 12 years, explained how World Extreme Medicine trains medics to lead, support and care for people in extreme locations including the jungle, mountains and space.
He also updated the audience on the work of Medics4Ukraine, which has so far run five convoys to Ukraine and began with support from people in Beer and neighbouring Branscombe.
Mark said the fundraising that began in East Devon had just reached £1,262,251.44; this is all used for medical supplies with World Extreme Medicine meeting all operational costs. To date, 258 special ops medics have received training, and future aims are for 200 to be trained each month.
He also spoke about people he had met in Ukraine whose lives have been devastated by the conflict, including a man who went out into his garden at 2 am just as a missile hit; his wife died in the house and his legs were blown off. Astonishingly he was able to make his own tourniquet and survived until the dawn patrol found him.
Mark believes support will be needed for many years to come due to the complexity of the political issues playing out. He said: “If it was my son on the frontline, would I want someone like me to do what I’m doing? The answer is ‘yes’.”
In a lighter moment, Mark explained that he was inspired to set up World Extreme Medicine after meeting a crocodile whilst crossing a river in Namibia. This led to the first course being held in the Lake District for which he expected 15 doctors and was amazed when 70 turned up. World Extreme Medicine is now the largest organisation of its type in the world.
Gayle Chapple, Regatta Vice-Chair said: “Mark spoke so eloquently and movingly, and 'inspirational' goes without saying. Most of us feel so helpless when we see the news, so are just enormously grateful that people like Mark, and of course all his supporters and colleagues, are out there doing something so worthwhile, and actually making a difference. It's a privilege to be able to support Medics4Ukraine.”
To donate please visit Medics4Ukraine
