“I chose to support Children and War because it delivers evidence-based, effective treatment at scale, to children around the world.”
Huge congratulations to retired psychiatrist Dr Seán Maskey for completing the 60-mile Ride London cycling challenge on 26 May – and raising over £1,200 for CAW UK.
Described as ‘the world’s greatest festival of cycling’, Ride London runs from Waterloo Bridge through central London and out into the countryside of Essex. It is an annual event, and Seán (pictured centre) is planning to come back next year with a whole team for us.
“I hope we might get a team entry next year,” he explains. “Unlike the challenges children face after disasters and conflicts, Ride London is simple and enjoyable. Essex is flat, the Ride is open to all, so do join in next year to support CAW UK.”
Seán was a consultant psychiatrist in child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) and his support for us is based on first-hand experience of the effects of war on children.
He says: “In the early 90’s I met a teenage girl after an overdose, a refugee from former Yugoslavia, who was struggling with a choice in her life; continue her A levels and apply to medical school, or return home and, as she put it, become a terrorist.
“We see and hear about the physical injuries children sustain in disasters and conflicts worldwide, but rarely the psychological harm they suffer, which is enduring. And unlike physical injury, it can and does pass on down the generations.
“The psychological approaches developed and taught by Children and War psychologists around the world have and continue (with our support) to help children recover from conflict and disasters, and regain their childhood delight in life.”
We would like to say a big thank you to Seán for helping us to continue this vital work.