GENEROUS Glaswegians have helped two Scottish grans send lifesaving medical supplies to vulnerable women and children in Ethiopia.

Cousins Maureen Burnett and Jo Middlemiss, previous Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year finalists, have filled a large shipping container with crutches, bandages and baby delivery kits, as well as new shoes and toys, collected by their charity Ethiopia Medical Project (EMP).

Maureen, from Burnside, said: “This delivery is going to have a massive impact and we are grateful to everyone in Glasgow and across Scotland for their time, energy and donations.

“Jo and I set up EMP in 2013 after visiting a tiny clinic in Buccama in rural Ethiopia. We were compelled to make a real difference for the long term when we saw the conditions.”

She added: “The clinic was struggling to cope and was inundated with women suffering from uterine prolapse and people disabled by a type of elephantiasis called podoconiosis. Both conditions carry a social stigma, with sufferers reporting being ostracised from their families and communities. Yet both can be treated and, in many cases, reversed with simple treatments. In the last decade, donations from EMP have allowed the clinic to treat thousands of patients, allowing them to return to their families and live free from pain and suffering.

“We are so pleased to be able to continue our efforts thanks to the kindness of the teams at Malin and Bertling.”

The lifesaving delivery is being made possible thanks to a partnership between EMP and two Glasgow businesses – Clyde-based marine engineering experts the Malin Group and Bertling Logistics. Both businesses have volunteered the resources needed to send the supplies many miles across land and sea to the Health Centre in Buccama.

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John Macsween, Managing Director of the Malin Group, said: “When we were approached by the team at EMP, we knew that we had to help. I am proud of our staff for coming forward to support this fantastic charity, and of our fellow Glaswegians.”

Andy Lyall, Commercial Manager of Bertling Logistics, said: “Everything is prepared for the shipment, and we are pleased to contribute to this important subject.”