A PEEBLES couple are to undertake three months’ voluntary medical work in Malawi.

Alistair and Doreen Watson will jet off to the East African country in November to work with the UK charity Ripple Africa.

Along with a small group of volunteers, the pair, who are former NHS workers, will support Ripple Africa’s medical, educational and environmental work with the communities in the Nkhata Bay District, located on the shore of Lake Malawi.

The healthcare facilities and services in the area are basic and illnesses like pneumonia and gastroenteritis in children are widespread along with malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Malnutrition in young children is a problem that Ripple Africa is actively involved with and Doreen and Alistair will get involved in all these areas of work.

Prior to their departure, the pair are keen to raise £2,000 to support Ripple Africa’s ongoing programme. 

Doreen told the Peeblesshire News: “We visited Malawi in 2014 as leaders with the Borders Exploration Group. This Borders charity regularly takes groups of teenagers from the local High Schools to do volunteering and environmental projects in all parts of the world. 

“We were inspired by the enthusiasm and hard work of the young people in our group. 

“However, we were also aware that, behind the warm welcome we received all over Malawi, life was very much on the edge for many of the population. We also found that services for the elderly and those with chronic disability as a result of conditions like leprosy were sadly lacking.

“After discovering Ripple Africa last year while exploring opportunities for voluntary work, we were impressed by this small charity’s sustained support for the Nkhata Bay community over the last 14 years.

“Once there, we’ll be working in malnutrition clinics, community child health clinics, local health centres and district hospitals. 

“We believe that even making a small difference is important and worthwhile.

“All the donations we receive will go to the charity and none is used to fund our travel and living costs in Malawi. We would be very grateful for the generous support of the local community and Peeblesshire News readers.”

As part of their fundraising for the trip, Doreen and Alistair cycled three of the most notorious Tour de France climbs in July – the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin and the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. 

The couple are also running a charity competition to estimate the total time they achieved these climbs and the winner will receive six bottles of Bouvet-Ladubay sparkling wine. 

It’s £2 per estimate and £5 for three guesses. To enter, email Doreen at dorali52@yahoo.com or phone 01721 729443. 

The result will be announced prior to the couple’s volunteering trip on Friday, October 20.

To donate, visit: https://rippleafricavolunteering.everydayhero.com/uk/Doreen