2022 was a tough year for me, but with support from family, work colleagues and friends I managed to get myself back on track. I consider myself to be fortunate that I have so many people who genuinely cared and supported me through a difficult time.

This made me think, what about those who don’t have support, who struggle to fit in society, haven’t got the same privileges as me. I wanted to do something to give back to society but wasn’t sure what to do. And then there it was, one afternoon…. RR23 Challenge popped up on my Instagram page. I immediately knew this is what I wanted to do…but I doubted myself…can I really do this….am I mentally fit and able to complete this challenge….

I confided in my friend, Rajeshri about this and was surprised, she also wanted to do the same challenge. So, our journey started… we applied and got selected and the planning started. It’s unfortunate that Rajeshri will no longer be joining me in this challenge but her support, energy, and enthusiasm to see me do this for “us both” has made me even more determined…I can do this.

The Sewa UK Rickshaw Run 2023 (RR23) will be supporting the refurbishment of a dental unit at Arogyadham in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India. I will be one of the 108 Rickshaw Run participants from around the world. We will all meet at Chitrakoot in India on 10th December 2023, and start our journey in 36 Rickshaws covering over 2000 km, having crossed four Indian States in 12 days, raising awareness and funds of approximately £500,000. We will finish this journey on the evening of 23rd December 2023 in the Rann of Kutch.

Over 35,000 children are born with a cleft defect annually in India. Over half of those are either unable to afford treatments or are completely unaware that this can be treated at all. The operations that take place are life changing for the children and allow them to integrate into normal society without any associated stigma.

The facility provides FREE or very affordable cleft and palate surgery to support the 500 surrounding villages. The building will have 6 dental surgeries on the 1st floor. On the ground floor, it will have 1 dental surgery, 1 operation theatre and 1 dental lab including waiting areas, offices, and washroom facilities.

Sewa UK is 100% volunteer-operated, therefore all your donations will go directly to the cause without any admin costs.

The costs incurred for my travel and participation in this challenge has been 100% funded by myself.

I would be honored if you could support me in over-achieving my fundraising target of £2,000. Any donations you make towards this cause would be appreciated so much by those in need.

Thank you in advance for your support and for helping a child lead a good quality of life and live in society without stigma…. with a smile that touches others.

Don't forget to follow us on https://instagram.com/rickshawrun2023