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Charity Fundraisers Leigh And Jenny Set To Head To The Amazon

TWO Castle Douglas ladies, Leigh Riddell and Jenny Carson, are both well known locally for all the amazing work they do to raise money for good causes and charities, but this month they are taking their charity work a step further by embarking on an expedition to Peru with the Vine Trust charity .

Leigh and Jenny at their recent fundraiser evening

Leigh (37) is a pharmacist who works at Boots in the health centre in Castle Douglas and Jenny(37) is a primary teacher, currently based in the nursery at Dalbeattie primary. The girls have been best friends since they were toddlers and this charity expedition will be their biggest challenge they’ve faced together.

They will spend 2 weeks on one of 2 small boats, the Amazon Hope and Forth Hope, on the rivers of the Amazon basin, bringing healthcare to remote village communities.

Leigh

 

 Leigh told DGWGO “This all came about after I had been chatting in the pharmacy with my former girl guide leader who is heavily involved with the charity, based in Edinburgh. I had always thought of doing some volunteering and asked if there would be any opportunities to put my medical skills to good use – this was when I learned about the work of the boats on the Amazon. This really excited me and I was delighted I could use my knowledge as well as supporting a charity – and was even more pleased that Jenny was keen to join me after hearing my plans! A whirlwind of emails followed and we were confirmed on the 27th February expedition within a week!”
Leigh continued “We will be part of the medical team on board the ferry which comprises of 16 Peruvians plus 6 medical volunteers from the UK. It houses consulting areas, a dentist, a small surgery and sleeping quarters. The boat sails each day to a different village where those in need will be seen by one of the healthcare professionals on board – common problems include parasitic infections, stomach problems, malaria and HIV. I will be working as a pharmacist and prescriber, while Jenny will be undertaking basic healthcare duties,we aim to get involved in health promotion within the poverty stricken communities that we visit.
Jenny
When we asked the girls what they had been doing to prepare for the trip Jenny Said  “We have been to an orientation meeting at the charity headquarters which are in a converted barge on Leith docks; we are looking forward to the challenge even more now as we got to meet some people who had been previously. One lady, a dentist, had been on 15 trips’. They  we are also trying to learn some basic Spanish before we leave and have been making sure all of our vaccinations are up to date.
We Asked the girls ‘What do your families and friends think?’ – Jenny and Leigh repliedThey are really excited for us and proud of what we’re doing but in all honesty a little apprehensive too – as are we. Though we have both traveled a lot before we have never been to south America and this is certainly not a holiday! It will be a great experience however and hopefully very rewarding, as well as eye opening.” 

The girls are funding the whole cost of the expedition themselves but are also raising money to donate to the charity. This money goes directly to the 2 week expedition and will help to cover the cost of medical supplies and the cost of the Peruvian medical staff; the charity work in partnership with the Peruvian government who also contribute to the running of the boats.

Every winter for the last 8 years the Leigh and Jenny have held a fundraising charity night at Auchenlarie holiday park, supporting a range of local and national charities and to date have raised Thousands of pounds. Charities including Macmillan, the British heart foundation, Alzheimer Scotland, The Alexandra unit and Carlingwark House have benefited over the years.

This year’s event took place on Friday 19th January and has added an amazing £3945 to their fundraising total and the ‘Boots’ The company that  Leigh works for will fundmatch an extra £1000.

Leigh said, “We are overwhelmed once again by people’s generosity and can’t wait to witness first hand the difference this can make to the healthcare of those much less fortunate than us. The evening was a sellout and a huge success, as always, with over 200 people enjoying the music of the Benidorm Rovers who pull the crowds and keep the dance floor packed every year as part of their UK tour.”

There was also entertainment from local musician Ian Fenwick, a raffle, games and an auction, expertly done by holiday park mangaer Alan Riddell (who is also Leigh’s husband and is instrumental in ensuring the night goes smoothly!).

Alan Riddell, Auchenlarie Park Manager, and Paul Swalwell owner of Auchenalrie both helping on the night.
Jenny said “We can’t say enough how much we appreciate people’s  contributions year on year – friends, family and local businesses donating money and amazing prizes, Auchenlarie Holiday group and of course those who come to enjoy the night.”
Jenny and Leigh finished off our interview by saying “Now that the fundraiser has passed we are just so excited to get there and get stuck in”

Leigh said “We have a few more Spanish lessons to get under our belts first and then plan to do a blog while we are away to keep those who are interested  up to date on the expedition. So for now it’s ‘hasta luego’ from us. But we can’t wait to return with photos, stories and of course memories that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to donate to  Leigh and Jenny’s fundraising activities for their upcoming Amazon expedition click HERE

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