People do the most amazing things for Oxfam fighting poverty

In 2005, Susan Harrison, along with three intrepid companions, decided they were sufficiently committed to the fight against poverty to take on Trailwalker UK, Oxfam's challenging 100km charity trek across the South Downs.

Just ten days before the event, Susan Harrison was on her way to Great Ormond Street hospital in London, where she works in the operating theatre. Apart from perhaps a few butterflies about the approaching feat of endurance, it was a Thursday morning like any other. 7 July 2005. Then everything changed.

Fifty-two people lost their lives that day in the London bombings. Hundreds more, like Susan, were seriously injured. In her case, she had to have her leg amputated above the knee.

Susan has been determined not to let this catastrophic turn of events affect her life negatively. With the help of some wonderful doctors and nurses, she has learned how to walk on her prosthetic leg, and just one year on has taken the extraordinary decision to take part in Trailwalker 2006. Over to Susan:

"Hi there. I have decided to fulfil my dream of raising lots of money for the work Oxfam does helping poor people around the world. Despite being seriously injured, losing my leg and much against my better judgement I have decided to try and take part this year with some good friends who are willing to carry me along the route. We call ourselves The Hopalongs, so please support us with whatever cash you can."

> Sponsor Susan online: www.oxfam.org.uk

And there's more...

Susan recently accepted Oxfam's invitation to visit some of the primary health care projects we fund in poverty-stricken Georgia. Georgia is a country wrecked by conflict, with a government too poor to afford adequate medical equipment and medicines for its people. The state hospitals are in a shocking state, and doctors and nurses are badly paid and rarely receive training to update their skills.

"On 7 July last year, I was saved by the efficiency of the NHS," says Susan. "Equipped hospitals and trained doctors and nurses saved many lives on the day of the bombings. Because of the dire lack of facilities and doctors and nurses, many poor countries like Georgia are not able to deal with crises like this. I agree with Oxfam that good quality health care should be free and accessible to all."

www.oxfam.org.uk