Countdown for Ghana Trip

A few months ago I signed up for a trip to Ghana with "Wheels for the World", which is a subgroup of Through the Roof (a Christian Charity for disabled people). The trip is from 10th -20th October 07 and its purpose is to distribute 160 wheelchairs to people in Ghana with severe mobility problems (eg someone who couldn't leave their home unless carried by friends.) I am funding myself and, since there are many expenses getting the wheelchairs in a "roadworthy" state, have also raised over £500 so far for WftW. If you would like to contribute please click on my Justgiving link - www.justgiving.com/christinegrew

I am part of a team of 10 which includes a leader and administrator, 5 OTs and Physios, 2 wheelchair technicians and a lady pastor. We will be based in Tema but hold wheelchair clinics in the capital, Accra, and a more rural location as well. Obviously, as we are helping those with mobility problems, we need to go to them! A Ghanaian lady, Ellen will be our guide and translator. She is also taking us to a children's refuge where children as young as 12 have been rescued from the streets and prostitution.

Two significant things happened this week as I commenced the one month countdown! Firstly I had most of my jabs - Tetanus/Diptheria/Polio and Hepatitus A /Typhoid. It's Yellow Fever next week!


Secondly, I was asked to give a talk about my trip to Lighthouse, a mid-week Youth group run by Holy Trinity Church for 12-14 year olds in our community, Knaphill; (see photo above.)I brought along 2 wheelchairs which are about to be sent to the repair workshop in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight. I thought the teenagers might like to experience what it feels like to be in a wheelchair. How right I was! After a short talk during which they were very attentive, everybody had a "go" - either self-propelling or being pushed. Lots of screams assured me they were having fun! The chairs were used till going-home-time, the teenagers even playing Unihoc in them. During my talk I mentioned that Ellen would be taking us to visit the children's refuge and that we wanted to bring nearly new clothing for the teenagers there. Several spoke to me afterwards, saying they had some things they would like to give. I felt very encouraged by the interest shown for those less fortunate than ourselves.