KALUTARA
The effects of the Tsunami are still being felt in Sri Lanka now, more than two months since the wave hit.
Much of the public health infrastructure is almost totally destroyed. A large, but as yet unknown number of nurses and doctors are dead. Many doctors and nurses along with administrative and support staff have moved into camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), or are living with surviving relatives far from the health facilities where they once worked. Some are so traumatized that a return to work may be months away, if ever.
My uncle, Dr Max Mackay-James, was in Sri Lanka when the disaster happened and has gone back to help.
This is an extract from a letter he's written to try to raise funds for the Disaster Relief Healthcare Project, which he's set up:
Being there and seeing the wave, as Miranda, Thomas, Archie and I did on 26 December 2004 in Sri Lanka, we were deeply affected – as everybody was and is – and I am determined to go back.
Back in England, being a doctor I not surprisingly received many healthcare offers of help; offers of medicines from the local NHS Hospital Trusts, nurses and other healthcare workers offering to volunteer, and personal donations of money.
People were touched by the view that as well as the generous giving to the Disaster Appeal, direct responses were needed; action – Right Action – at the grass roots, that met the needs of the local people as they saw them (not just as governments or the big charities think best).
The KALUTARA Healing Journey SUMMARY describes the Healthcare project I have set up after my recent return visit to Sri Lanka. £6,000 has already been given to me directly to help towards funding it – and if you have already sent me money, then thank you very much.
I am now writing to ask your support, especially in helping to raise the rest of the £21,000 that I need to fund this Healthcare project. You can do this in several ways:
a. Send me a cheque payable to MAX MACKAY-JAMES.
I am “sponsoring” the project through the Somerset charity WHEREVER THE NEED, so will be able to make use of Gift Aid for all donations I receive through them.
b. Or send a cheque direct to the charity WHEREVER THE NEED.
If you prefer you can send your donation direct, but please write on the envelope ‘for Dr Max Healthcare Project’
Charity registered No - 1070826,
Address - Stoke End, Church Lane, Freshford, Bath BA2 7HD
Contact - David Crosweller, +44(0)1373 836611
c. Send me names and addresses of any contacts or introductions you may have for individuals or charities that you think may wish to contribute to the project.
d. Send me any other connections or information that you think might be of particular use or value in making the project a success.
Dr Max Mackay-James
You can easily donate online by clicking here. Don't forget to choose "Tsunami Medical Care" after entering the donation amount. (UK taxpayers will receive a rebate on their donation... so go on!)
Click here to downlaod the KALUTARA Healing Jorney Letter
Click here to read the Times Tsunami article featuring Max Mackay-James