A Sandwell Hospital pharmacist is combining two passions in his life – his love of cricket and dedication to helping people with HIV when he embarks on a mission to Africa.
Amardeep Singh will head out to Kenya on 11 February as one of eight volunteers with the charity Cricket Without Boundaries.
They will teach the game to hundreds of children from schools and orphanages, as well as teachers and other responsible adults, to allow them to coach thousands of other children in turn.
The charity uses cricket as a tool in the fight against AIDS, so the sessions will also raise awareness of HIV prevention and access to treatments.
As a member of Warwickshire Cricket Club and a fan of the sport since he was a schoolboy, Amardeep believes cricket can make a difference to their lives, while being able to raise awareness about HIV could literally save their lives.
He said: “I am passionate about the impact it can have – as a sport it engenders discipline, accountability and team work and is great fun!”
The trip also fits in with his new role as the first Lead Pharmacist for HIV and GUM at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, which he began just three weeks ago, based at the Alpha Clinic.
Amardeep, along with Lead Dietician for HIV Tracey Grainger, and a specialist health visitor, who is yet to be appointed, are part of a new team which will help improve the care given to the two in every 1,000 people in Sandwell who are HIV positive.
He said: “It introduces flexibility for the patient as they are not restricted to getting their medication during pharmacy hours, they can even get their medication supplied to their home, which helps to overcome some of the stigma which is sometimes a barrier to patients taking their medication correctly.
“We are also here to offer advice and support to hospital colleagues who are caring for HIV positive inpatients, to take the weight off them and offer expert advice.”
Amardeep, who lives in West Bromwich, has to raise £750 as a volunteer’s fee and is looking for help to raise as much money as possible for the charity.
If you would like to donate please visit his Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Amardeep-Singh0
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