A Galway couple, Gerry and Anna Hickey, are joining Tik Tok sensation, musician and comedian Garron Noone on a mission to deliver ambulances from Ireland to Uganda to support palliative care.
The convoy being organised by the Hope on Wheels organisation will see 11 ambulances driven overland from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda on an epic journey covering more than 1,200 kilometres through stunning countryside, remote roads, and national parks, starting on May 24t
Joining the 25 volunteers will be the Galway couple from Castlegar. Gerry, who works with a heavy earthmoving machinery manufacturer and Anna, who works part time in a fulfilment warehouse, are delighted to be joining the mission which aims to transform end of life for the critically ill in Uganda. “When we heard about this opportunity we didn’t hesitate. The needs for palliative care in Uganda are huge, with less than 15 per cent of people with critical and life-limiting illnesses accessing pain relief and palliative care. Thousands of people die every year suffering and in serious pain. Anything that can be done to increase access to care is worth supporting,” said Gerry.
The couple’s connection with HOW came through one of the founders of the charity, Tom Doyle, who Gerry grew up with in Offaly and who has remained a close friend since. The convoy is made up of volunteers from all walks of life including a past and serving member of the Gardai, a former journalist, businesspeople, farmers and retirees.
“Of course, we are also excited to be travelling with an amazing group of people, including Garron Noone, and seeing a lot of East Africa.” said Anna. The ambulances, which have been donated by the National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, the Irish Red Cross, and Civil Defence have been shipped to the port of Mombasa ahead of the start of the convoy. Partnering with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the ambulances will be officially handed over to hospices for use as mobile outreach palliative care clinics, bringing essential care and pain relief to critically ill patients in remote communities.
The Hope on Wheels convoy departs Mombasa on May 24, with arrivals and handover events planned in Kampala after arrival on June 1st. Donate to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/annagerry hickeyshopeonwheels Websites: https://www.hopeonwheels.ie or https://pcauganda.org/
