A JERSEY civil servant has set out to run 1,915 kilometres across Vietnam to raise money for a charity that delivers medical aid in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas across the world.
Cameron Taylor began his ambitious journey throughout the South-east Asian country on 11 December.
The 33-year-old, who is a senior external relations officer in the Government of Jersey’s London office, plans to run from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south over 61 days.
Mr Taylor, who has previously completed ultra-marathons, said this challenge combined his passion for running with the desire to make a meaningful contribution to a cause he deeply admired.
Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, is the world’s leading medical humanitarian aid organisation.
The charity provides emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters – without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Mr Taylor said: “I have the utmost admiration for anyone who chooses to become a doctor as a vocation that is solely based around helping others, and I have even more admiration for doctors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help those around the world in most need of support.
“While the odds of me becoming a doctor and giving my time in any meaningful way to Médecins Sans Frontières are somewhere between extremely slim and non-existent, I can surely put one foot in front of the other – about two million times on current predictions – to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Mr Taylor said that working for the medical humanitarian organisation was “one of the most selfless things you can do”.
He added: “I’m never going to become a doctor, let alone be a doctor that goes somewhere in awful need of medical aid and gives their time, especially in conflicts and at considerable personal risk.”
Mr Taylor will be carrying his supplies in a modified hiking trolley nicknamed “Dolly” as he covers an average of 35 kilometres each day across diverse terrain from highways to rural paths.
One week into his journey, Mr Taylor had already covered 176 kilometres, met locals offering him treats, and encountered a fellow adventurer cycling across the country.
So far, his efforts have raised nearly £2,000 for the humanitarian organisation, with his fundraising page open until March 2025.
To donate visit Mr Taylor’s JustGiving page
