Helping find, heal and empower women

“I’m Mark. My wife, Liz and I live in Caves Beach near Lake Macquarie and have four children.

Liz is a registered nurse and I own and run a self-storage business. We both attend the local Baptist church in Caves Beach, which also has a gym where I volunteer as a handyman.

While I was at the gym, I picked up a book from a small library in the foyer. I was immediately captivated by the story of Reg and Catherine Hamlin and this book, The Hospital by the River, had a lasting and profound impact on my life.

I had previously been on two trips to Kenya so I was intrigued as the book centred on Africa. The plight of the women [with obstetric fistula] in Ethiopia just tore at my soul.

Why regular giving?

As a father of three girls (and a son), I was appalled at the abysmal medical conditions these women faced. To be outcasts as well just seemed too cruel.

By becoming Hamlin Regular Givers, Liz and I can support Hamlin’s important ongoing work. It seems such a great sustainable model which will carry on into the future.

Patients stay in such a caring environment, surrounded by gardens, while they are treated. Some continue to live at Desta Mender (Hamlin’s rehabilitation centre) if they are unable to return to their home.

I can only imagine how women must feel after travelling often vast distances to arrive at the hospital. It must be like coming across an oasis in a desert.

To have their health and dignity restored, their story validated and hopefully return to their family and village is just amazing.

Liz and I look forward to visiting the hospital in the not too distant future. In the meantime, we are proud to be a part of the inspirational work started by Reg and Catherine Hamlin in Ethiopia.”

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Will you join us?

Regular giving is the most effective way to donate. It helps us plan ahead and find, treat and empower women suffering from obstetric fistula injuries.

Click here to learn more.