Borders nurse’s Zambia fundraising challenge
A retired NHS Borders nurse consultant has embarked on an extraordinary 1,100-kilometre solo trek across Zambia to raise funds for a vital sanitation project at NHS Borders' twin hospital.
Chris Faldon, a former public health specialist from Coldstream and trustee of The Logie Legacy charity, has set off from Victoria Falls on a two-month journey to the Malawi border.
The challenge, known as Zambia Route@66, aims to raise money for a new sewage and sanitation system at St Francis Hospital in eastern Zambia, which has been partnered with NHS Borders since 2008 through The Logie Legacy charity.
Over the years, staff from both organisations have worked together on projects covering maternity services, paediatrics, physiotherapy, pharmacy, public health and tuberculosis control, strengthening links between the Borders and the Zambian hospital.
The latest fundraising initiative, the ZamBaz Project, is seeking to raise £200,000 to replace ageing sewage and sanitation infrastructure at St Francis Hospital.
Many of the hospital’s existing septic tanks and soakaways are deteriorating, creating environmental and public health risks. The proposed replacement system will provide a safe, sustainable and climate-friendly sanitation solution for patients, staff and surrounding communities.
Chris said: “Throughout my career I've seen how some of the greatest improvements in health have come not from new medicines, but from clean water, effective sanitation and disease prevention.
“Good sanitation saves lives. It protects patients, healthcare workers and entire communities. That's why this project is so important, and why I'm prepared to walk 1,100 kilometres to help make it happen.”
Alongside Chris’ fundraising challenge, NHS Borders has launched a Toilet Twinning Campaign, encouraging staff, schools, community groups, businesses and partner organisations to support the project.
Supporters can twin one of the hospital's 280 toilets with a donation of £60. Individuals and groups are also being encouraged to organise fundraising activities such as bake sales, sponsored walks and workplace collections, with certificates available to recognise contributions.
Launching the campaign after unveiling the first twinned toilet, NHS Borders chair Fiona Sandford highlighted the importance of the long-standing partnership.
She said: “Our partnership with St Francis Hospital is something our organisation has been proud of for many years.
“It is built on shared learning, friendship and a commitment to improving health outcomes for communities in both countries.
“Chris’ remarkable walk and the Toilet Twinning Campaign are fantastic ways of supporting a project that will make a lasting difference.
“Every donation will help provide safer sanitation facilities and improve the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and families who rely on the hospital.”
Chris hopes to raise £20,000 through sponsorship of his walk, contributing towards the overall £200,000 ZamBaz Project target. To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/christopher-faldon-2