Chris Rooney and Elaine Dixon living in Dunshaughlin will join Tik Tok star Garron Noone and more than 20 volunteers on a humanitarian mission to deliver ambulances from Ireland to Uganda to support the critically ill and dying in east Africa. The convoy, being organised by the Hope on Wheels organisation, will see 11 ambulances driven overland from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda on an epic journey covering more than 1,200 kilometres through stunning countryside, remote roads, and national parks, starting on May 24th.

Elaine, a maintenance manager on the M3 Motorway and owner of Dixiedoos Dog Grooming, said she and Chris who are based in Dunshaughlin, are delighted to be joining the mission which aims to transform end of life for the critically ill in Uganda. She visited Uganda last year in and said the trip left a strong impression, influencing her decision to take part in the convoy.

“When I heard about this opportunity I didn’t hesitate. The needs for palliative care in Uganda are huge, with less than 11 per cent of the 500,000 people in serious need of pain relief and palliative care accessing it. Thousands of people die every year suffering and in serious pain. Anything that can be done to increase access to care is worth supporting,”

The convoy is made up of volunteers from all walks of life including a past and serving member of the Gardai, a former journalist, a GP, businesspeople, farmers and retirees. “Of course, myself and Chris are also excited to be travelling with an amazing group of people, including Garron Noone, and seeing a lot of East Africa.” said Elaine.

The ambulances, which have been donated by the National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, and Civil Defence have been shipped to the port of Mombasa ahead of the start of the convoy. Partnering with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the ambulances will be officially handed over to hospices for use as mobile outreach palliative care clinics, bringing essential care and pain relief to critically ill patients in remote communities.

Adding a high-profile voice to the mission are Irish social media star Garron Noone, and entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, who will both join the convoy and use their platforms to raise awareness of the urgent need for accessible hospice and palliative care services in Uganda.

Elaine Dixon at the launch of details of the Hope on Wheels convoy. In the group pic Elaine is third from left in the front and above one of the ambulances to be donated.

HOW is inspired by the late Dr Anne Merriman, founder of Hospice Africa Uganda, whose pioneering work brought affordable pain relief and compassionate care to thousands of patients across the continent of Africa. She was born in Liverpool to Irish parents and did her medical training in Dublin. She died last year aged 90.

As well as bringing ambulances, the convoy will be used to raise thousands of euros to support hospices in their work in Uganda, with an ambitious target of €500,000. Tik Tok sensation Garron Noone said: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Hope on Wheels convoy. I am delighted support this cause and encourage others to support it.”

Health entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, who sought a nomination in last year’s Irish Presidential Election to be the youngest ever candidate at 35, said: “I am delighted to be joining this convoy to support people in critical need of palliative care and pain relief. This mission resonates strongly with me through my work with improving how pain medication is delivered, making it safer and more accessible. I firmly believe access to pain relief shouldn’t depend on where you live. Hope on Wheels is helping bridge that gap in a very real and immediate way.”

HOW Chair Tom Doyle said: “For five years we have been driving ambulances by road to Uganda as volunteers. On our trip last year, we raised money for Hospice Africa Uganda and learned about the massive need for palliative care. We decided there and then we would do a dedicated trip to support the critically ill in Uganda without access to care and pain relief they needed”
“This convoy is about more than delivering ambulances. It’s about delivering pain relief, dignity, comfort, and care to people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. With Garron and Gareth joining us, and dedicated volunteers from all over Ireland, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work being done on the ground and inspire even greater support.”

The Hope on Wheels convoy departs Mombasa on May 24th, with arrivals and handover events planned in Kampala after arrival on June 1st.

Donate to Elaine and Chris at https://www.idonate.ie/cause/hopeonwheels
Websites: https://www.hopeonwheels.ie
https://pcauganda.org/