'Moving Mountains' by Claire Bertschinger
Wednesday 8 April 2009
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey invites you to celebrate International Nurses Day with a special evening talk. 'Moving Mountains' will be presented by guest speaker Claire Bertschinger at the School of Management Lecture Theatre on Tuesday 12 May, 6:45 p.m.
Described by a leading news journalist as ‘one of the true heroines of our times’, Claire Bertschinger has accumulated vast experience from many years working in emergency disaster relief, primarily in war zones, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In 1984 during a devastating famine, Claire was posted at a feeding centre in Ethiopia in an unimaginable situation. Her job was to pick a small number of children to care for out of the 85,000 people who had come to the centre for help.
Claire was initially unaware of the huge impact her actions would have. It was only when BBC Journalist Michael Buerk travelled to Ethiopia to broadcast an interview at her feeding station that her selfless work was brought to the attention of the world.
In just days the report travelled around the globe and raise awareness of this massive humanitarian crisis. One man in particular recognised the incredible work that Claire was doing, and as a result Bob Geldof recorded his Band Aid single and organised the world famous Live Aid fund–raising initiative.
Among many prestigious awards, Claire has been awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal, Woman of the Year, Window to the World award, Human Rights and Nursing Award (presented by Professor John Hay, at the University of Surrey in 2007), and an honorary Doctorate from Brunel University.
Claire is currently the Course Director for the Diploma in Tropical Nursing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and will join us on International Nurses Day to share her experiences in what promises to be an inspirational and thought-provoking talk.
To book free tickets for the evening talk please visit: www.surrey.ac.uk/healthsocialcare
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
