Much of the focus of ForRangers’ grants is towards those located out in remote areas, in the bush, away from urban cityscapes and where marauding lions, bachelor bull buffalos and elephantine elephants still roam. Of course, the rangers who work in these conditions are extremely passionate, competent and ‘tough as old boots’, but what happens when something goes wrong? After all, regardless of all their training and fine-tuned wits, the risk of running into an armed criminal or startled wild animal is always there.
Whenever someone is unfortunately injured or sick in this beautiful landscape of central Kenya, the go-to place is none other than the Nanyuki Cottage Hospital. The Hospital is a place with a goal to improve the health and well-being of the Nanyuki community and the surrounding areas through superior services, so patients need not travel the long distance to Nairobi.
Founded in 1920, this private, non-profit hospital sees patients pass through its doors from across the Nanyuki community, whether they’re victims caught in the crossfires of criminal activity or had a run-in with wild animals during their daily errands.
One such example of this took place in 2019, when Moses Kasaine, out grazing cattle on Borana Conservancy, was bitten by an African puff adder, a species whose venom can cause serious tissue damage (among other complications). He was treated and cared for at the Hospital for a month before being released and was subsequently in and out for ongoing appointments. It was later decided that Moses’ health would be best supported if his foot was amputated above the ankle. Thanks to the constant and expert treatment, Moses has since recovered and continues to work at the Operations Room at Borana HQ.
In 2023, thanks to funds raised by Charlie Dyer’s 736km off-road cycle from the Gundua Healthcentre near Kisima, to Vasco da Gama Point on the coast in Malindi, a grant of more than £7,000 was donated to Nanyuki Cottage Hospital by ForRangers. Its arrival could not have come at a better time.
Despite continuing to provide high-quality medical care, a lack of funds had meant the Hospital couldn’t expand its medical outreach activities to support people living in more remote areas. Thanks to grants such as this, Nanyuki Cottage Hospital has been able to overcome these challenges and has continued to provide healthcare for those who need it – regardless of whether they can afford it.
The funds allowed three mobile clinics to be opened, reaching more people in villages around Gundua. In addition, the Hospital upgraded its Executive Room, which should help to generate more revenue for the Hospital from those than can afford it.
Chair of the Hospital’s Board, Dee Roberts, shared:
"The grant from ForRangers has made a significant difference to our work and what we can offer the community. It has helped us to improve our facility and to provide better care for the people we serve. We are very grateful for the support."
We hope that the Hospital’s efforts can only continue to expand to benefit rangers, as well as the wider community.
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