World-record breaking cyclist, author and adventurer – Mark Beaumont. Raises funds for Ethiopia Medical Project which supports the Buccama Health Centre in southern Ethiopia, home to half of the four million people worldwide who suffer from Podoconiosis.
Mark who was born in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands, at just twelve years old cycled across Scotland from Dundee to Oban. A few years later, while still at school he completed the 1,000-mile solo ride across Britain from John O’Groats to Land’s End. His next long-distance ride took him the length of Italy from Sicily to the Alps, a journey of 1,336 miles, helping to raise £50,000 for charity. After graduating from Glasgow University, he decided to devote himself full time to endurance adventurers. And in 2017, Mark made history pedalling through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris just 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes after setting off on a mission to cycle the globe in under 80 days.
Podoconiosis is a non-contagious form of elephantiasis. This disfiguring condition simply known as ‘Podo’, causes massive swelling of the feet and lower limbs. Through education Podo can be prevented. It can be treated and in many cases reversed with soap, water and shoes. EMP’s mission is to eradicate Podo from this part of Ethiopia. This widespread condition carries a social stigma with sufferers reporting being ostracized from their families and communities. Yet the condition can be treated.
Ethiopia Medical Project (EMP) is dedicated to supporting Buccama Health Centre in rural Ethiopia. The charity focuses on preventing, raising awareness and treating Podoconiosis as well as Uterine Prolapse.
