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Marathon Runner Raises Funds for Health Service in Burkina Faso in Wife's Memory

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Guðjón Norðfjörð plans to run a full marathon to raise funds for a health service in Burkina Faso.
  • The health service, named Arna Health Service, will benefit children at the ABC school and local residents.
  • The initiative is in memory of Guðjón's late wife, Arna Hansen, who had a strong connection to the ABC project.

Guðjón Norðfjörð is preparing to run a full marathon to support the establishment of a much-needed health service in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to honor the memory of his late wife, Arna Hansen, who had a deep affection for the ABC school's work in the region.

The planned health service, to be named Arna Health Service, will cater to both the children attending the ABC school and the wider community. Construction has already begun, with approximately two million Icelandic krónur raised so far. The total estimated cost for the facility is seven million krónur, with ongoing support needed for its operation after completion.

It was her wish.

— Guðjón NorðfjörðReferring to his late wife's desire for donations to the ABC project instead of funeral flowers.

Norðfjörð, an experienced long-distance runner, has completed numerous marathons and triathlons. His family also shares a passion for endurance sports, having participated in events together. This marathon run is a personal endeavor to fulfill his wife's wish, as she had requested that donations in her memory be directed towards the ABC project instead of flowers and wreaths during her funeral.

Arna, a nurse by profession, had previously assisted at the small health clinic in Burkina Faso during a visit in 2018. Her connection to the project and her background in healthcare inspired the decision to focus the fundraising efforts on a health-related facility. The project aims to expand the existing healthcare offerings and improve services for the local population, addressing a significant need in the area.

Arna was a nurse and had a long career in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. When she came to Burkina Faso in 2018, she was helping out at this small health clinic that operates there.

— Guðjón NorðfjörðExplaining his wife's connection to healthcare and the project in Burkina Faso.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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