Whilst I was away in Africa, several times I heard this advice given by people who had been many times and then returned to the United Kingdom.
The general and most important piece of advice was that it was not appropriate or in any way effective to return to the United Kingdom, and play the game of “you don't know how lucky you are”, or “I'm so frustrated because you have it so good and you don't understand”. While you're here, there is an urge for that, there's an urge to go, we have it so much better, so much easier and that we should always be grateful all the time.
That is absolutely not feasible, absolutely not reasonable, and not a path I intend to take.
What I would suggest, though, is that for almost every single person who reads this blog, the opportunities that are available to you are extraordinary. You knew this all along, all of us did. But then it's up to us, isn't it?
To reach down, pick up the key and open the door, we just have so many opportunities to reach for the key. So, when we feel rough or things seem tough or dark, it is absolutely true that where we are, and where we live, gives us a chance to do something else.
Blog Post Number - 4437
Colin Campbell, Chris Barrow, and an intrepid group of dentists will be cycling across the plains of Tanzania from Kilimanjaro in early February 2026. If you would like to support the charity, Bridge to Aid, and this extraordinary challenge, please click here.
Thank you for your generosity
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