“Ebola – Behind the mask” meet local author Andy Dennis at Starbeck Library

Starbeck library is excited to be hosting a local author and charity fundraiser Andy Dennis for an evening of heart-breaking tales about his experience with fighting the recent Ebola outbreak and his fascinating work with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders.

Andy, Starbeck born and bred, Registered Nurse in the Endoscopy Department at Harrogate District Hospital is the co-author of the recently published book “Ebola – Behind the mask”.

In the book, Andy and his friend and colleague Anna Simon describe their experiences in the Ebola crisis up close and personal. From the decision to commit to a mission, the training with Doctors Without Borders in Amsterdam, the journey to Kailahun, and most importantly, the work in the Ebola Management Centre.

Andy had been on three previous missions with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Africa. The mission in Sierra Leone was by far the most extreme situation he has ever faced. Anna, a Dutch medical doctor from the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, on the other hand had never even visited Africa before.

The authors responded to MSF’s call for volunteers, and left behind their regular jobs for two months to work in an Ebola Management Centre in the remote province of Kailahun in Sierra Leone. Working alongside dozens of men and women from Sierra Leone, they cared for more than 150 patients with Ebola. These patients were more than a mere statistic; all have their own story.

Andy is a passionate supporter and fundraiser for MSF UK. He has walked across Europe, from Amsterdam to Barcelona as a fundraiser. Recently Andy and his partner Tracey Hill cycled across the USA, from San Francisco to New York fundraising and raising awareness on MSF and its work.

The illustrated talk will take place at Starbeck Library, 68A High Street, Starbeck, HG2 7LW on Wednesday 23 November at 7pm, door open at 6.45pm. The talk is free, and there will be an opportunity to donate money to MSF UK. The talk will be followed by a book signing.

For more information please contact Starbeck on Tel: 01609 533461 or via email: [email protected]

You can also find out more about Andy’s work by visiting his website andy4msf.com

If you are not a member of the library, join now. It is FREE. Visit your local branch or log on www.northyorks.gov.uk/libraries

Press contact: Greg Kubas (01609 79 8402)

Executive member: County Councillor Chris Metcalfe (Con) 01937-83250