It&#x27;s important to me to use this opportunity to raise money for two charities that are close to my heart. Both of these organizations have a profound impact on the lives of those in need, and I feel privileged to contribute to their vital work.Volunteering as a dentist in remote communities has been a meaningful and rewarding part of my career. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive difference that sustainable programs can make, and I’m committed to supporting these efforts.Oral diseases are the most common health condition globally, affecting nearly 3.5 billion people, and the numbers are continuing to rise. These conditions include dental decay, abscesses, oral cancers, orofacial clefts, noma (a severe gangrenous disease mostly affecting children), and oro-dental trauma. Left untreated, they can cause pain, disfigurement, and even death, posing a significant health burden worldwide.The impact of oral diseases is felt most acutely by those who are poor and socially disadvantaged. There is a strong and consistent link between socioeconomic status—such as income, occupation, and education—and the prevalence and severity of oral diseases.Despite the fact that a large proportion of dental diseases are preventable, many countries lack the necessary resources to educate, prevent, and treat these conditions. The unequal distribution of oral health professionals, along with a shortage of appropriate healthcare facilities, means that access to essential dental care is limited. For many, the out-of-pocket costs for oral health care are prohibitively expensive, often leading to catastrophic health expenditures that can result in impoverishment and economic hardship.By supporting public health interventions that address common risk factors, we can reduce the burden of oral diseases and improve access to care for those who need it most. Your donation can help make a difference by supporting the provision of essential dental and healthcare services to underserved communities.In 2003, I traveled to the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal to provide oral health education and emergency treatment in local communities. Shortly after that visit, I had a chance meeting with Doug Scott, a long-time hero of mine (the first Britain to summit Mount Everest) and the founder of the charity Community Action Nepal. Our conversation left a lasting impact on me. He explained the prevalence of dental disease in the communities his charity supports, highlighting an urgent need for dental care. The increase in tourism, where young children are often given sweets by well-meaning trekkers in areas without dental care, has had devastating consequences. I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the opportunity to help, I would.Community Action Nepal (charity number 1067772) is a UK-based charity that builds and operates health posts in rural Nepal. They also run sustainable education and livelihood programs, aiming to improve the quality of life and resilience of these remote communities.My volunteer work has taken me across the globe, from Asia to South America and parts of Africa. I&#x27;ve been deliberate in choosing projects that empower local communities to create sustainable solutions.Bridge2Aid (charity number 1170578) is another UK-based charity that works in partnership with community health workers, dentists, and local governments in Africa. They train individuals in oral health promotion, deliver community-based oral health education programs, and provide training on how to offer emergency dental treatment. Their goal is to empower African dentists and health workers, enabling them to sustain the training model and increase access to dental care in their communities.

Cat Burford

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A Solo, Unsupported Expedition To The South Pole, November