‘When my 16 year old daughter was treated at BCH, it was transformational. She is now free from hallucinations and sleeps well; we have peace, stability and hope for a brighter future.’

Professor Ewan Wilkinson along with his nephew, Alasdair, are imminently departing on their 600+ mile cycle across southern India. Their route will take them through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, crossing the Western Ghats mountains which rise to over 1000m, to the coast at Kochi.

Self-led and self-funded, every pound raised here will go into supporting the community mental health service at BCH. Over 12 years, this service has reached the poorest and most remote villages and in many cases – like this 16 year old’s above – been transformational.

Ewan writes:

‘Maureen and I have long supported the development of the mental health service at BCH. We have been pleased to work with Kuule Yusuf who leads the service. He has done well increasing the scope of the service, coping with rough, muddy roads to ride out to clinics which people depend on to get their treatment and care. The effects of cuts in overseas aids are putting many hospitals in Uganda, including BCH, under financial pressure. People with mental illness are always at the bottom of the agenda and therefore financial support is needed more than ever. I am planning to cycle across in India from Puducherry to Kochi with my nephew, at the end of January 26. I have wanted to cycle in India for some years as it is an ideal way to experience a different country and I find India an interesting place on many levels.

We have both done quite a bit of cycling. I have previously cycled with friends from Entebbe, Uganda to Kigali, Rwanda. I am used to fixing bikes. We will be cycling 40 to 50 miles a day, carrying all our kit with us, just the two of us. We will be staying in small hotels and cycling on back roads. The traffic will have its challenges, but we just accept we are the lowest form of wheeled life and keep out of the way of bigger forms(!). If you would like to make a donation to support the community mental service at BCH it would be much appreciated and will be used carefully. But please don’t feel you have to. Please use this link, or:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ewan-wilkinson-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Ewan Wilkinson’

‘This is more than a ride—it’s an unforgettable journey through South India’s soul.’ If you would like further information about the route Ewan and Alasdair will be following, please contact us.

Thanks in advance for your support of these remarkable men as they take on this exciting (&slightly daunting?!) challenge!