Guest Post: EMMS International, SMP Member

EMMS International Tackles the Climate Crisis by Re-routing Famous Malawi Fundraising Cycle Ride

It’s back – bigger and better and more environmentally friendly than ever before. The famous EMMS International Malawi Bike Ride returns in September 2022 to help raise vital funds for better health and healthcare for people living in poverty in Scotland, Malawi, Nepal and India.

The climate crisis is contributing to significant healthcare challenges in the communities where EMMS International works. In response to the climate crisis participants will take the challenge closer to home.

Dr Cathy Ratcliff, CEO and Director of International Programmes at EMMS International:

“Cyclones and flooding in Malawi. Extreme temperatures in Malawi. Landslides in Nepal. The climate crisis is creating healthcare emergencies around the world and business as usual is not an option.”

“As an organisation we’re looking at every area of operation to minimise and mitigate our contribution to the climate crisis. Our fundraisers rose to the challenges of fundraising in lockdown and enjoyed virtual visits to our partners in Malawi, India and Nepal. We’re taking lessons learned during the pandemic and applying them to our response to the climate crisis.”

Dr Arie Glas, Medical Director of EMMS International partner Mulanje Mission Hospital:

“The climate crisis is a healthcare crisis in Malawi. We need to do all we can to minimise the impact. It’s always a delight to welcome the EMMS International bike riders to the hospital and show the impact of their fundraising efforts. We look forward to welcoming them virtually this year.”

International challenges have been a core part of EMMS International’s fundraising for decades. As well as taking on epic cycle challenges, participants have trekked in the Himalayas, kayaked on Lake Malawi and hiked Mount Mulanje. Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised in the past to improve vital healthcare services among the communities visited.

This year participants can pick their distance from a selection of Malawi routes and take the challenge closer to home. Individuals and teams can take on challenges from 30 to 600 miles during September. These journeys end with a virtual visit to Mulanje Mission Hospital to help inspire challengers to go the extra mile to provide vital healthcare services.