I'm not about to undertake a huge physical or personal challenge for which I want to part you from some cash. I am just wanting to raise awareness of leprosy, the plight of the individuals affected by it, and the hard work of the healthcare professionals who fight the disease and care for the sufferers.

Many people believe leprosy is no longer a disease impacting lives. This is far from the real picture. Hundreds of thousands of new cases are still being reported each year worldwide. Without treatment, the disease leads to disfigurement, debilitating disability, huge open wounds and sometimes death.Because of the social stigma attached to leprosy, these patients are some of the most vulnerable, poor and isolated people in the world.

17 years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to spend 5 months volunteering at Lalgadh Leprosy hospital in southern Nepal. A place where people living with the stigma & often deformity of leprosy are treated with dignity and genuine care by the brilliant clinical staff who work in often difficult & austere conditions.

Ever since that time in Nepal, I have been promoting the wonderful work done at the hospital and trying to raise awareness of the suffering of the 100's of 1'000's of people affected by leprosy around the world.

In 2018 with support from the Community Outreach team at Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital we founded the Momentum Club - providing:

- Microcredit loans (£30 each)

- Community group support

- Women's rights awareness

- Women's health advice and access to healthcare

Given these elements of support the women who choose to join one of our 5 Momentum Clubs are truly transforming their lives along with raising the quality of life for their families and villages and most importantly they are breaking the cycle of poverty and missery that goes with that.

In this part of the world, a little goes a long way so any small donation you could make would be put to good use with very little going to running costs for the projects.

For more information you can see our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/themomentumclub

Many thanks for your time and attention.

Jill xx