Two nurses are embarking on an incredible journey! Andy Dennis of Harrogate District Hospital’s Endoscopy department and Tracey Hill of York Hospital’s Dermatology department will set off to the United States of America on 20 May 2016 to cycle over 4,000 miles unsupported to fundraise for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).
The fundraising started in 2010 and has to date raised some £60,000. Andy has been on mission with MSF four times – first in Uganda, followed by two missions in South Sudan and most recently in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak in 2014.
Andy said: “I’ve been on mission with MSF four times, most recently in 2014 when I worked at an Ebola Management Centre in Sierra Leone at the height of the outbreak. I’ve seen first-hand how MSF makes a difference to peoples’ lives and I am aiming to further to support them with my fundraising project which will raise £100,000.”
The fundraising has been achieved by a wide range of people, inspired by Andy, who have organised fundraising events such as bake sales, jumble sales and cabaret shows. Anyone who wishes to get involved is encouraged to get in touch.
The bike ride builds on the 2,000 mile solo walk from Amsterdam to Barcelona that Andy completed in 2011, upping the ante in a bid to cover 4001 miles from San Francisco to New York (they are going the extra mile for MSF!).
MSF fully supports Andy and Tracey’s endeavours. Maryam Khan from MSF UK’s fundraising team said: “Andy and Tracey are planning to raise funds by cycling across the USA from May to August 2016. We are aware they are approaching individuals and businesses for support, and would be grateful for any assistance.”
If you have an idea for fundraising, or would like to sponsor Andy and Tracey’s bike ride, please contact Andy via email: [email protected] or call 07427 359111.
To follow the ride‘s progress please visit www.andy4msf.com
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, exclusion from care and natural disasters. msf.org.uk
- Andy Dennis works in the Endoscopy Department at Harrogate District Hospital and for MSF. He has been on mission with MSF in Uganda, South Sudan (twice) and Sierra Leone. He has completed a 2,000 mile solo, unsupported walk across Europe for MSF. His fundraising project has raised £56,000 so far. andy4msf.com
- Tracey Hill works at York District Hospitals Dermatology Department, Tracey was introduced to the work of Médecins Sans Frontières through Andy. She supports and advises on his presentation work and has recently begun a fundraising project of her own, making and selling candles and soap. Tracey’s own Doctors Without Borders fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/TraceyHill2016.
- Andy Dennis’ contact details: email [email protected] or telephone 07427 359111.