Visit Spinalonga-the island where the memory of leprosy lives on

Crete 2014

Trek the Samaria Gorge- hike the length of Europe’s longest gorge to change leprosy-affected lives today

The Leprosy Mission England and WalesGoldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough PE2 5GZTel: 01733 370505 www.leprosymission.org.uk

Registered charity no: 1050327 Registered company no: 3140347

@leprosytalk The Leprosy Mission England and Wales leprosyvoice

Testimonials from the Crete 2013 trip

“The whole trip was very enjoyable and the guides for the visits to

Knossos, Spinalonga and Samaria Gorge were excellent.” Marion Collin

“A fascinating trip with archaeology, history, scenery and physical activity,

as well as time to relax, sunbathe, swim or read a book. Spinalonga was a

good reminder of how people with leprosy are still struggling with their

daily lives in our world today.” Susan Royle

“We really appreciated being part of this trip – we learned much about

leprosy and the Spinalonga visit was very interesting. The Samaria Gorge

walk was really special – amazing scenery. The dip in the beautiful sea at

the end and the boat trip were great too.” June Todd

Visit Spinalonga-the island where the memory of leprosy lives on

Crete Crete Crete

Trek the Samaria Gorgehike the length of Europe’s longest gorge to change leprosy-affected lives today

19507 Spinalonga leaflet AW.indd 1-2 29/01/2014 13:46

Date: Thursday 18 to Tuesday 23 September 2014

Cost: The ground package is £489 and includes full-board at the four star Hotel Kyknos (or similar) in a quiet location between the resorts of Malia and Stalis, all excursions and an English-speaking guide. Single rooms and extended stays are also available.

We ask that a minimum sponsorship amount of £300 per participant is given for the Samaria Gorge challenge. Those who do not wish to trek are most welcome on the trip but a donation of £300 would be gratefully received.

Low-cost fl ights to Crete (Heraklion) are available from most regional UK and London airports for around £250.

For more information or to book, email Alisia O’Sullivan at The Leprosy Mission on AlisiaO@TLMEW.org.uk or ring 01733 370505.

The Palace of Knossos is an ancient town on Crete where Bronze Age culture fl ourished from 2000 BC to 1400 BC. Built by a civilisation called the Minoans, spend half a day at this archaeological treasure excavated in the early 20th century and lovingly restored by a team led by British archaeologist Arthur Evans. A trip to Heraklion, the dynamic and cosmopolitan modern-day capital of Crete follows.

Spinalonga, off the north-east coast of Crete, housed Greece’s leprosy colony until 1957 and is the setting for bestselling author Victoria Hislop’s debut novel The Island. There has been a sharp increase in visitor numbers to Spinalonga – dubbed the ‘island of outcasts’ – since Victoria’s book was published in 2005. An alfresco seafood lunch follows a poignant morning exploring the faithfully-preserved remains of the leprosy colony on Spinalonga.

Raise crucial funds to support The Leprosy Mission’s life-changing projects by trekking 11 miles down and along the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. Starting from the Omalos plateau in southern Crete, the challenge sees trekkers descend steep stone steps and navigate rocks and boulders until they reach the coast of the Libyan sea. The scenery en route is simply breathtaking, taking in freshwater springs, crystal clear streams and mountain forests.

Crete 2014

“ The Leprosy Mission is doing invaluable work to relieve the suffering of people affected by leprosy today and I wish all their supporters a happy and rewarding trip to Crete.”

Victoria Hislop, author of The Island

Mu Mu’s battle with leprosyMu Mu Soe, 33, knows just how leprosy can affect every area of a person’s life. She came to Mawlamyine Hospital in Myanmar (Burma) after displaying symptoms of leprosy for many years. Hospital staff diagnosed leprosy and treated Mu Mu. Tragically her right lower leg had to be amputated as a result of a severe ulcer caused by leprosy robbing her of any feeling in her right foot. Due to stigma surrounding leprosy, her husband rejected her and her nine-year-old son has to stay with her father. Since her arrival at Mawlamyine Hospital, Mu Mu Soe has made a remarkable recovery and is beginning to believe her life is worth living. She has been fi tted with a prosthetic leg and has a plan to make baskets to sell in order to fi nancially support her and her son. She said: “I hope Mawlamyine Hospital will continue its services as long as earth remains so that other leprosy patients can get love and treatment without stigma.”

so that other leprosy patients can get love and treatment without stigma.”

“ The Leprosy Mission is doing invaluable work to relieve the suffering of people affected by leprosy today and I wish all their supporters a happy and rewarding trip to Crete.”

Victoria Hislop, author of

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