Sussex-based organisation Wilton Park has become the first international partner for Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital charity walk, a significant step in helping to boost their fundraising efforts. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a leading healthcare facility specialising in the treatment of children suffering from serious medical conditions, including cancer.
The charity walk, an annual initiative organised by the hospital, aims to raise funds to help treat children battling cancer. Sadly whilst 80% of cancer in children is treatable only one in ten children with cancer are successfully cured in Kenya. Collectively Wilton Park colleagues walked over 150km on Sunday 21st May, helping to raise over £1600 which will directly support the hospital and children from poor communities who desperately need treatment.
Organiser of the UK walk and Wilton Park’s Chief Operating Officer, Jo Lawrance, expressed her immense pride and gratitude for the colleagues who participated in the charity walk, stating, “I am deeply inspired by the dedication and generosity displayed by our colleagues in supporting Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. We’re an organisation dedicated to making the world a better place and their generosity and compassion will make a significant impact on the lives of some very sick children. This initiative embodies the core values of Wilton Park, and I’m extremely grateful to everyone involved.”
Dr Carol Waweru, representing Gertrude’s Hospital, extended her heartfelt appreciation to Wilton Park for their exceptional support, saying, “On behalf of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we extend our sincere gratitude to Wilton Park and its dedicated colleagues for their contribution. The funds raised through the annual Charity Walk will provide critical treatment and care for children fighting cancer, offering them renewed hope and a chance at a brighter future. Wilton Park’s partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and we are immensely grateful for their support in improving the lives of our young patients.”
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital hopes that this partnership will attract more international supporters in the future, helping it to raise more funds and ultimately treat more sick children. Plans are already underway for Wilton Park to support the charity walk again, building on the wider partnership between the UK and Kenya, and showing their commitment to having a positive impact on the world.
Notes to Editors:
About Wilton Park: Wilton Park is an Executive Agency of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), tasked with convening world class policy events and hosting diplomatic talks to help solve critical global challenges. Based in Steyning, West Sussex, the organisation is one of the world’s leading centres for diplomatic discussion and a major UK contribution to international peace and stability.
About Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital: Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is a leading paediatric hospital based in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 1947, the hospital provides specialised medical care and treatment for children. The hospital is a not-for-profit organisation which supports children from some of Kenya’s poorest communities, as well as children referred from across the region. Details of the walk in Nairobi can be found here.
Donations: The JustGiving page for donations can be viewed here.