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Into Africa – project supporting hospitals in need
Aproject salvaging items that would otherwise have become landfill has developed into supporting hospitals in Africa.
Throughout his career, Steve Gotting travelled to every country in Africa – and with a doctor for a father and his wife a hospital matron, he was well aware of the needs of hospitals, let alone those on the African continent.
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As a mason and the chairman of the Association for Friends of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, he was perfectly placed to do some good. When the original care home on the site of Prince Philip Court was due for demolition, he stepped in.
Having worked in Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and the Gambia, he was well aware of their need for medical equipment.
“I asked what items they needed and a long list came back including beds, books, tables and chairs, linen and kitchen equipment.”
He immediately swung into action and retrieved what he could before the building was demolished. He organ- ised a 40ft container and without much notice, got it loaded and shipped out.
“I know the country well so I had people on the ground who took the items immediately they arrived and knew where the need was greatest.”
Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court is part of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and with 17 homes nationally, Steve is now hoping to roll the programme out nationally as they work on upgrading each home.
The next to undergo a refurbishment programme is Bury St Edmunds.
“I spoke to them and explained what we had done, saying we will help them to get the unwanted items to the right place. We can create a model over time and do even more good.”
After the National Lottery, The Masons are the largest provider of funds in this country – and they not only raise money but offer support in any way they can. One of Steve’s Mason friends provided the forklift and manpower to get all the items into the container.
“I have had lots of support as nobody likes to see waste and that’s exactly what would have happened otherwise.”
