Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim - Saving Lives in Crisis: Standing by MSF's Emergency Fund

Katie Tough
United Arab Emirates

Story

THE CHALLENGE

Payam Beheshti & Lee Irvine, Partners at Simmons & Simmons Middle East, will be participating in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim this weekend. This challenging event involves a 6.5km swim from Asia to Europe, and they are using this opportunity to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)’s Emergency Fund.

CHARITY 

Our Doctors Are Racing Against the Clock

In moments of crisis, when lives hang in the balance and hope feels scarce, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stands as a beacon of compassion and care. Our Emergency Fund is the heartbeat of our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to the most dire situations around the world, ensuring that urgent medical aid reaches those who need it most, when they need it most.

One such crisis that has demanded our unwavering presence and dedication is the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza. Since its inception, MSF teams have been on the ground, tirelessly providing lifesaving medical care to those affected by conflict and tragedy. In the midst of this dire situation, our teams are offering crucial medical services, including surgical care, wound and burn treatment, postpartum care, physiotherapy, mental health support, vaccinations, and outpatient consultations. We have managed to bring in 76 trucks of essential aid, and are also striving to address the severe water shortages by providing about 700,000 liters of clean water daily and working with local partners to improve sanitation and hygiene for those in the most vulnerable situations. Our commitment remains steadfast as we navigate these heart-wrenching circumstances to offer support and relief to those who need it most.


An MSF water and sanitation agent, oversees a water distribution for displaced people in the southern Gaza town of Rafah


As we continue our efforts in Gaza, we are also turning our attention to another critical situation that demands urgent support from our emergency fund: the crisis in Sudan. It has been 15 months since the war in Sudan broke out. The consequences of over a year of full-blown conflict on the health and wellbeing of people in Sudan are disastrous. The population has faced horrendous levels of violence, succumbing to widespread fighting and surviving repeated attacks, abuse, and exploitation.

In Sudan, the health system was already fragile before this conflict. Our teams at MSF are providing emergency treatment and surgeries, including trauma care for war and non-war injuries. We are running mobile clinics for displaced populations, treating communicable and non-communicable diseases, offering maternal and pediatric healthcare, including safe deliveries, and providing water and sanitation services. Additionally, we are donating medicines and medical supplies to healthcare facilities, supporting Ministry of Health staff with training and logistics, and continuing pre-war medical activities such as treating severe malnutrition and providing healthcare in IDP and refugee camps. Our teams are also responding to outbreaks with vaccinations and offering mental health support for survivors of gender-based violence.


MSF clinic in Zamzam Camp, Sudan

The reality is stark: without the support of the Emergency Fund, our ability to act immediately in the face of emergencies such as the ones in Gaza and Sudan would be severely hindered. Lives hang in the balance, and every moment counts. That's why we urgently need your help!

Your support today can make the difference between life and death for those caught in the throes of crisis. Join us in saving lives!

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Katie Tough
United Arab Emirates


Raised : 16,317.34AED
Raised 109%
Goal : 15,000.00AED

Created Aug 22, 2024

34 days left

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  • Alexandra Harmer

    100AED
    09-Sep-2024

    Congrats Lee and Payam!

  • Danielle Brownrigg

    100AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • Joff Cowling-Bryant

    400AED
    31-Aug-2024

    Lee, you absolute legend! Swimming from Asia to Europe? Pure heroism. Sponsoring you is the least I could do—honestly, I’m just honored to be associated with your greatness

  • Blandford

    100AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • Marius Johansen

    96AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • James

    250AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • Matt suchley

    367AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • Anonymous

    2400AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • David McDonald

    500AED
    31-Aug-2024

  • Umar Aziz

    482.89AED
    30-Aug-2024

  • Alice Black

    241.45AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Congratulations Lee! Amazing effort x

  • Aveen Prasad

    1000AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Now that is what I call a flex Lee, superstar. Amazing effort!

  • Tara

    100AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Great effort - well done Payam and Lee!

  • Aditi Sanyal

    500AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Well done both of you! So proud of you two and a great cause!

  • Anonymous

    1500AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Great work guys!

  • Anonymous

    1500AED
    29-Aug-2024

    Great work guys, really impressive!!

  • Leah

    500AED
    28-Aug-2024

    Amazing achievement!

  • Anonymous

    500AED
    28-Aug-2024

    Great effort and achievement guys!

  • James Coleman

    1000AED
    28-Aug-2024

  • Adam Wolstenholme

    500AED
    28-Aug-2024

    Well done Payam and Lee!!

  • Muneer Khan

    1000AED
    27-Aug-2024

  • Lee

    1000AED
    26-Aug-2024

    Good luck Payam!!

  • Payam Beheshti

    1000AED
    23-Aug-2024

    “@Lee - what a brave, heroic thing to do! ;-)

  • Andrew Wingfield

    1000AED
    23-Aug-2024

    Hopefully Payam can have a quiet crossing as this is one of the few activities where (presumably?) it may be difficult for Lee to speak?!! Best of luck! Ps, slightly disappointed you are not doing the return journey!

  • VICTORIA GRUNDY

    100AED
    23-Aug-2024

    Go Team Simmons !!!!!

  • Anonymous

    80AED
    23-Aug-2024