At 3am on November 27, Avondale University nurse educator Eranita Lamplough will begin the race of her life: 100 miles (160 kilometres) through Australia’s Snowy Mountains to help save lives and limbs in the Solomon Islands.
The KosciMiler Ultramarathon involves more than 5000 metres of climbing, including Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. Ms Lamplough has up to 36 hours to complete her first 100-mile race.
But her greatest challenge may be raising $A40,000 for the 10,000 Toes Campaign, an Adventist Church initiative which works to prevent and manage diabetes across the South Pacific. Of that amount, $25,000 will help complete the Ugi Health Clinic in the Solomon Islands’ Makira-Ulawa Province, serving an island population of more than 4000.
Although the clinic building has been constructed, its interior remains unfinished. Funds are needed for walls, ceilings, plumbing, electricity, solar power and essential medical equipment. Once completed, the clinic will provide much-needed healthcare, including diabetes screening, education and preventative services.
Dr Chester Kuma, a former Solomon Islands chief surgeon and 10,000 Toes regional ambassador, helped establish the campaign after witnessing the devastating consequences of Type 2 diabetes among his people. Every 20 minutes an amputation occurs in the South Pacific due to diabetes or an associated lifestyle disease.
10,000 Toes project manager Pam Townend applauded Ms Lamplough’s commitment. “Every kilometre she runs brings us closer to saving lives and limbs. We are incredibly grateful for Eranita’s courage, compassion and willingness to make a difference.”
To support Ms Lamplough’s 100-mile challenge visit the 10,000 Toes website.
