Retired Coldstream nurse begins 1,100km walk across Zambia to support NHS Borders’ twin hospital

This week a retired NHS Borders Nurse Consultant has embarked on an extraordinary 1,100-kilometre solo trek across Zambia to help raise funds for a vital sanitation project at NHS Borders' twin hospital, St Francis Hospital.

Chris Faldon, a former public health specialist from Coldstream and trustee of The Logie Legacy charity, set off from Victoria Falls on a two-month journey to the Malawi border. The challenge - known as Zambia Route@66 - aims to raise funds for a new sewage and sanitation system at St Francis Hospital in eastern Zambia.

We are proud to have been partnered with St Francis Hospital since 2008 through The Logie Legacy charity. Over the years, staff from both organisations have worked together on projects spanning maternity services, paediatrics, physiotherapy, pharmacy, public health and tuberculosis control.

This latest initiative, known as the ZamBaz Project, aims to raise £200,000 to replace ageing sewage and sanitation infrastructure at St Francis Hospital.

Many of the hospital's existing septic tanks and soakaways are deteriorating, creating environmental and public health risks. The new system will provide a safe, sustainable and climate-friendly sanitation solution for patients, staff and local communities.

Chris told us: "Throughout my career I've seen how some of the greatest improvements in health have come not from new medicines, but from clean water, effective sanitation and disease prevention. Good sanitation saves lives. It protects patients, healthcare workers and entire communities. That's why this project is so important, and why I'm prepared to walk 1,100 kilometres to help make it happen."

Alongside Chris' fundraising challenge, we are launching a Toilet Twinning Campaign, encouraging staff, schools, community groups, businesses and partner organisations to help fund the project.

Supporters can twin one of the 280 toilets at St Francis Hospital for a donation of £60. Individuals and groups are encouraged to organise fundraising activities such as bake sales, sponsored walks and workplace collections, with certificates available to recognise contributions.

Today, unveiling the first twinned toilet and officially launching the campaign, Fiona Sandford, Chair of NHS Borders, said: "Our partnership with St Francis Hospital is something our organisation has been proud of for many years. It is built on shared learning, friendship and a commitment to improving health outcomes for communities in both countries.

"Chris' remarkable walk and the Toilet Twinning Campaign are fantastic ways of supporting a project that will make a lasting difference. Every donation will help provide safer sanitation facilities and improve the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and families who rely on the hospital."

People can support the appeal by sponsoring part of the walk, twinning a toilet, making a donation or organising their own fundraising activities.

Chris hopes to raise £20,000 through sponsorship of his walk, contributing towards the overall target for the ZamBaz Project. During the challenge he will share regular video updates on his YouTube channel, allowing supporters to follow his progress across Zambia.

To find out more, visit The Logie Legacy, support the ZamBaz Project through Stewardship or donate via JustGiving. You can support the Toilet Twinning Campaign on JustGiving too.