A look back at 2025

31 Dec A look back at 2025

Posted at 08:00h in Community, Disaster, Health, Leprosy by Better Story

At the start of 2026, we are taking a look back at some of our highlights from 2025.

There is much to be thankful for – and thank you for the part you have played in making all of this possible.

Matthew’s arrival

This year we welcomed our new CEO, Matthew Hanning. He shared some reflections after his first trip to Nepal with INF to visit the people and programmes we partner with.

“I was reminded again and again that effective strategy must be grounded in cultural and contextual understanding and mutual respect. As we think and pray about INF UK’s future direction, these insights will be vital.

“I also came away with a deep realisation that none of this work would be possible without the faithful support of people across the UK and beyond, which our Nepali colleagues often talked about during my visit.”

Rabina learned to walk again

Rabina found hope after a tragic landslide where family members perished and she lost her leg.

At Green Pastures, the staff gently taught her to use her new prosthetic limb and gave her hope that it would allow her to be mobile and independent again. Perhaps most importantly, she had several psychosocial counselling sessions at Green Pastures, giving her time and space to begin to process everything that had happened.

Shirley received an MBE

We proudly watched our colleague Dr Shirley Heywood receive an MBE for her commitment to women’s health in Nepal. She said:

“This is really an award to be shared with the wonderful team at the Fistula Centre, all those who have helped and taught me over the years, and all the amazing women in Nepal who have trusted me to care for them. They show such bravery because there is still a major stigma that often holds women back from getting fistula treatment.”

Green Pastures patients learned how to farm safely

One of our favourite stories from Green Pastures Hospital this year was the outdoor classes run by Dirga Man on how to safely get back to farming when you have suffered the effects of leprosy.

Under his guidance, the patients carefully dig fields, sow seeds, and pluck ripe spinach and tender lettuce. With each technique they learn, they are gaining back self-esteem, confidence and hope for the future.

Nirmala turned her family farm around

We celebrated Nirmala and other women famers like her who have changed their families’ fortunes with help from the Asha project. She said:

“When the Asha project began, it was the turning point in my life. I became a member of my local farmers’ group, and explored my options. I received training on vegetable cultivation, which gave me the confidence and skills I needed to start farming.”