Lepra.

My name is Haider, I am a 77-year-old grandfather, living with my son and daughter and their wonderful children. All my life, I have worked hard to provide for my family. I was a labourer, then I pulled a rickshaw in my village near Bogura in Bangladesh.

Double your donation and impact with our match-funded appeal

30 years ago, I noticed small blisters around my toes which became infected and developed into ulcers. I kept working through the pain and hid my condition because I was afraid I might have leprosy. Neighbours were worried I might be contagious, and some said my sickness was from sin. People began to shun me and my family, and I felt very alone and deeply sad. I didn't have enough money to visit a doctor and spent all my savings going to local healers. Nothing they gave me helped. My condition became so bad that I couldn’t work anymore. I felt like there was no hope for me or my family.

Lepra staff found me by the side of the road, exhausted from pain, and kindly drove me to the nearest hospital, 100 miles away. I was diagnosed with leprosy and began treatment. Some of my fingers and toes were so badly damaged that I needed an operation to remove them. I was worried I wouldn't be able to work again. My family depended on my income, and without it our future was very uncertain.  When Lepra gave me a gift of protective shoes, they gave me hope for the future. After wearing them for some time, and keeping my sores clean, they finally healed. I was able to walk again with no pain for the first time in many years, I returned to work and provided for my family again.

Support our giving 'Shoesday' appeal today!

You can read more about my story and Lepra's appeal in our special footwear edition of Lepra News.  Thank you very much, Haider - Grandfather and community helper   PS. Every gift to Lepra makes a huge difference to people affected by leprosy. Thanks to our winter match-funded appeal, with the support of some very generous donors, every donation you make this winter will be doubled - creating double the impact! *Terms and conditions here.