Irish drivers in 2,000km road trip from Tanzania to Uganda
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A group of 30 Irish drivers will ring in the new year with a 2,000km road trip from Tanzania to Uganda, delivering emergency vehicles and raising vital funds for hospice care in Africa.
The convoy, which includes members of An Garda Síochána, will deliver ten ambulances and five fire engines gifted by Japan to the Ugandan government.
The group is also aiming to raise awareness and funds for Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) with the trip from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kampala in Uganda.
HAU is a charity with strong Irish ties that has been providing care to critically ill people in Uganda for over three decades.
So far, the group has raised €75,000 for HAU, with a goal to reach €100,000 by the time they arrive in Kampala on January 8.
Carlow native John O’Kelly, a steel engineer based in Dubai, is one of those leading the convoy.
He previously organised a similar mission delivering emergency vehicles to Uganda five years ago.
His involvement with the campaign began through his friend Willy Ngoya, who runs an import-export business in Japan.
“Willy asked me to gather a group of volunteers to deliver vehicles to Uganda just before covid-19,” Mr O’Kelly said.
“One of those on that trip was a dear friend, Ambrose Blaine from Co Mayo, who tragically died in a road accident three years ago.
"This journey is dedicated to his memory.”
Founded 31 years ago by Dr Anne Merriman, HAU has provided pain relief and palliative care to nearly 40,000 patients, many suffering from undiagnosed cancers.
Supported by Hospice Africa Ireland, HAU has become a beacon of hope for patients and a training hub for healthcare workers across Africa through its Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa.
Ambrose Blaine was a “passionate supporter” of HAU and of Dr Merriman, according to Mr O’Kelly.
“So we decided to raise funds for this incredible cause.”
Fellow organiser Tom Doyle from Tullamore, Co Offaly, said the trip is not without it challenges.
“Many of our team are first-timers to Africa.
"It’s an incredible undertaking, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to deliver life-saving vehicles and support a cause that transforms lives.”
Malahide-based Detective Garda Ken McGreevy said: “This adventure is as much about the mission as the journey.
"Delivering these vehicles and supporting Hospice Africa Uganda’s inspiring work is deeply fulfilling for all involved.”
Dr Merriman said the support is a “game-changer” for HAU.
“It will allow us to expand our outreach services and help more patients in need."
"In Uganda, over 90% of cancer patients never access treatment due to cost or remoteness."
Donations can be made at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11553102