Imagine being born unable to hear, speak or feed properly because of a condition called Cleft Palate. Over 35,000 children are born with this condition annually in India. Over half of those are either unable to afford treatment 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.

This December, we are fortunate enough to partake in the Sewa UK Rickshaw Run 2023 which will be supporting the refurbishment of a dental unit in Chitrakoot, India.

The dental unit provides free or very affordable cleft and palate surgery to support the 500 surrounding villages. The Rickshaw Run fund raising will go towards new labs in this dental unit, accommodation, state of the art medical equipment and much more. 

SO WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

We can’t call this a midlife crisis as we are both too old for that! We wanted to take part in an event that is tough to complete and feel a sense of overwhelming achievement. Driving a Rickshaw in one of the most populous countries, across all types of terrain for over 12 days is no easy task. At least one of us dislikes driving, is fairly rubbish at it to say the least and has no sense of navigation (Kalpna) so there is no sane rationale for taking part in a driving challenge. But here we are, ready to accept the challenge and do the necessary to raise money for this very worthy cause.

ABOUT THE RICKSHAW RUN

• 36 Rickshaws
• 108 self-funded participants from around the world
• All travelling across 4 states from Chitrakoot to Kutch covering over 2000km in 12 days
• Aiming to raise £500,000

SEWA UK

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

Your support in raising money for these children in need would be greatly appreciated.