Day Two: Turkey, Syria and Iraq
After the second day of cycling, running and rowing, the crew have managed to travel another 2218km, bringing the total distance covered to 4547km. Once again most people chose to cover their distances on the bike, both on static and road journeys. The team posted some big individual totals, with 7 people covering over 100km or more throughout the day. With the target for the first 2 days at 2934km, we’ve powered well ahead of where we initially expected to be. It will be interesting to see if we can keep this pace up!
This section of the journey crossed through Turkey and Syria, finishing up in Iraq just short of the Iranian border. These are all beautiful countries with a rich history but have all experienced recent troubles, with MSF operating in each territory in different ways.
These countries are all culturally rich with deep histories; from the oldest inhabited city on earth, Damascus, Syria, to the vivid landscapes of the Iraq countryside; and the food and art of Turkey which has been embraced by the whole world. It’s important now more than ever to not forget the humanity and history that encapsulates these countries, which has unfortunately been overshadowed by recent events.
Médecins Sans Frontières
What do they do?
MSF is a global movement with 30,000 staff across 70 countries, delivering medical care to where it’s needed most. The teams see millions of patients every year over a range of different types of projects. Across these, MSF provides emergency response care for natural disasters, specialist health care with logistical centres in remote areas and long term care to those who need it most.
Where do MSF operate?
Turkey
MSF first started working in Turkey in 1999, helping with aid for natural disasters, such as the 2011 earthquake. They now work providing healthcare for refugees and migrants. Turkey hosts the world’s largest refugee population of over 3.7 million people, the majority of whom have fled the Syrian civil war. More information on their work in Turkey can be seen here: https://www.msf.org/turkey
Syria
Over 11 million people have had their lives uprooted since the Syrian conflict that began in 2011, causing the biggest displacement crisis since the second world war. Civilian areas have been routinely bombed and deprived of assistance while healthcare in these areas remains extremely poor. This project is one of MSF’s biggest and is expected to go on for some time: https://www.msf.org.uk/country/syria
Iraq
MSF first began work in Iraq in 2003 after the US-led invasion. Since 2014, 3.3 million people have been displaced across the country due to fighting and power struggle. MSF continues to provide medical and healthcare to those who are most vulnerable and you can see more about their ongoing efforts here: https://www.msf.org.uk/country/iraq
What the money will buy?
Raising £10,000 will enable MSF to continue to carry out their life-saving work delivering medical care to those most in need. As you can see, the work that MSF do in these countries is vital so Please support us and donate to the Just Giving page here. Your donations will go towards things such as:
- £50 can pay for dressings kits to treat 42 war-wounded people.
- £95 provides a year’s supply of antiretroviral drugs for one person living with HIV/AIDS.
- £153 buys a basic surgical kit, enabling an MSF surgeon to carry out surgery.
Key statistics
Distance Travelled: 4547km
Journey Finished: 11.07%
Money Raised: £2785
Countries Visited: 12 Countries
Day 2 Leader Board
- Ashley Hill – 130.57km
- Kimberley Langley – 122.9km
- Steve Smith – 110.64km
Find out more
Do you think we can do it? Please support us and donate to the Just Giving page here.
Keep updated along the way with Instagram here and track our daily progress on our map below too.
