We have had a very busy and enjoyable week with the Director of Hospice Ethiopia, Ephrem in the UK. First stop was the University of Surrey for a workshop about a research project looking at using mobile phone technology to extend palliative care and symptom control to remote rural areas of Ethiopia. The rest of his stay has been in Norfolk as guests of Hospice Ethiopia UK. While here he spent a fascinating day at Priscilla Bacon Lodge (Norwich) and The Market Surgery (Aylsham), seeing first-hand how palliative care is delivered in the UK.

On Saturday, Ephrem gave an informative presentation at St John of the Cross church, Aylsham to local supporters about his tireless work to relieve the suffering of the dying in Ethiopia. The audience was much moved and over £400 was raised to aid his work.

We’ve also endeavoured to give him a flavour of life in the UK. Fish & chips at Cromer was a must – the first time he had seen the sea – as well as visits to Norwich Cathedral, Aylsham & Holt market towns. His final visit was to Aldborough Primary School, who have been loyal supporters of Hospice Ethiopia. A question & answer session stimulated some very insightful questions from the pupils.

On leaving Norfolk Ephrem said “Of all the varied experiences this week, the most memorable was visiting a patient in their own home and seeing patients at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.”