ON YOUR MARKS FOR THE GREAT ETHIOPIAN ADVENTURE

Runners and philanthropic enthusiasts alike can now sign up to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime Ethiopian adventure, thanks to Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.

For the first time, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) is offering a unique travel opportunity whereby participants will take part in the challenging 10km Great Ethiopian Run (also known as the 10km International) as part of an intimate tour of Ethiopia and Dr Catherine Hamlin’s local medical facilities.

The Great Ethiopian Adventure will depart Sydney on 9 November, returning on 25 November, 2014. For more information or to register, visit Hamlin.org.au

With only 20 places available, each participant is required to raise a minimum of $10,000 for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) in order to take part and each team member covers their own travel expenses of $6550 + $200 registration fee.

“This is the first time ever that Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is offering an insider’s trip to the famous fistula hospital founded by Nobel Prize nominee Dr Catherine Hamlin, AC. It really is a special opportunity for all Hamlin supporters,” said Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) CEO, Lucy Perry.

“The Great Ethiopian Run is another must-do experience in itself. Imagine yourself running 10kms, against some of the best runners in the world, at altitude.

“It’s just one of those awesome life challenges you cannot pass up. Take the event as a serious runner, competing against the best athletes in the world or walk/jog it in a tutu with the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital staff – it’s your choice!” Perry said.

“We acknowledge that this is a mammoth effort for our supporters who are up for the challenge and we give them a fundraising page and plenty of resources to support the push to be a part of this unique experience,” Perry said.

In addition to participating in the 10km Great Ethiopian Run, the trip, supported by World Expeditions, will visit the ancient Ethiopian Mursi, Hamer and Karo tribes, experience unprecedented access to the famous Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and one of its regional centres, and see the Hamlin College of Midwives and Desta Mender, the training and reintegration centre for long term patients, in full swing.

“Raising $10,000 will pay for 16 fistula operations to treat and/or cure a patient, or it could go towards the training of a student at the Hamlin College of Midwives. Either way it will make an enormous difference to the lives of these women, their families and communities,” Perry said.

Interested parties can attend the Sydney Great Ethiopian Adventure Information night coming up on 1st April 2014, 6pm, at World Expeditions offices, L5, 71 York Street, Sydney.

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ABOUT DR CATHERINE HAMLIN

Dr Catherine Hamlin has lived in Ethiopia for more than 55 years and has lived through three regimes. Even in Ethiopia, Dr Hamlin developed a modern surgical technique for obstetric fistula and led the growth of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, its network of regional hospitals, and the flagship educational institution, the Hamlin College of Midwives.

To this day, Dr Hamlin continues to take an active role in the hospital and operates on patients every Thursday. She lives in her cottage on the banks of the river at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and continues to take an active role in moving the organisation forward.

Dr Hamlin has a Companion of the Order of Australia, is a nominee of the Nobel Prize and is on the Australian list of Living Legends.