Billy and Margaret Riordan:In February 1999, at the age of 25yrs, Billy was drowned in Lake Malawi Central Africa. He had visited the small African country on several occasions and had grown to love it, especially the people and the village of Cape McClear. The population of the village is 15,000 people who exist on subsistence farming and some fishing in the lake. His mother, Margaret, visited the village many times after his death and worked in the local school.

Origins of the clinic: An outbreak of cholera and continual deaths from malaria and simple childhood diseases very soon made her realise that a medical clinic in this area is not just necessary but it is essential. The nearest hospital care is a four hour difficult journey away where there is one doctor for 800,0000 people. She saw the huge need for medical care and decided to set up the Clinic, in his memory.

Setting up of the Trust: The Billy Riordan Memorial Trust was set up in Dingle Co Kerry. There was a lot of interest amongst the people of Dingle. Billy was well known and liked in the community and there were many offers of money and help from local doctors.

2004: The clinic opened: Its mission is to provide primary medical services to the catchment area of Cape Maclear, which has a population of 15,000 rural dwellers. This is the only medical service in the area and to date more than 130,000 patients have been seen at the clinic.

2007: Inpatient facility: Patients travelled for many miles to see the doctor and soon it became apparent that an in-patient care facility was very necessary.  Massive fundraising was done in Ireland and the US and unit opened in 2007.

Today: The clinic is open every day, including Saturday and Sunday. There is a 24 hour emergency service. Ambulances are available for transport to another facility if the clinic cannot provide the necessary treatment. The clinic permanent staff at the clinic includes Dr Jeannette Van Os from The Netherlands and Nurse Sheila Byrne Harte from Ireland. In addition volunteer doctors and nurses work at the clinic for periods of up to six months. The Trust employs more than 30 local people including patient care attendants, Laboratory assistants Translators, counsellors, administrative staff, kitchen, laundry, gardeners and security staff.

Anyone that would like to make any further donation please see the information below

The Billy Riordan Memorial Trust
www.billysmalawiproject.org
Reg Charity no: 15091 (Ireland) NGO Reg no: NGO/R/05/02 (Malawi)

Bank of Ireland, Main Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
ACCOUNT NAME: The Billy Riordan Memorial Trust, SORT CODE: 90-57-07, ACCOUNT NO: 85770070
ADDRESS FOR CHEQUE DONATIONS:  The Billy Riordan Memorial Trust, Kilfountain, Dingle, Co. Kerry.