The Little Things

Medic and founder of life-changing medical charity The Little Things, Rathaven Gunaratnarajah, has been honoured by the Prime Minster for setting up a charity which delivers life-saving medical equipment, by presenting him with a Point of Light Award for his outstanding volunteering work.

Rathaven founded the charity in 2013 after a spell volunteering in a hospital in Tanzania opened his eyes to the difficulties doctors have to face in other countries. He has overseen the completion of three healthcare projects, using approximately £95,000 raised by student volunteers from across the UK, and is now also raising money through corporate grants with support from schools and the local community

The charity has worked in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and now Manthali, in Nepal, where Rathaven hopes to raise £50,000 to support Tamakoshi Co-operative Hospital.

Rathaven said: “I am delighted and sincerely grateful to the Prime Minister for honouring me with a Points of Light Award. It truly is inspiring and empowering to see The Little Things being recognised, and I would like to clarify that this award is in recognition of everyone who has contributed time and effort to support the charity.”

In a personal letter to Rathaven, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your work with The Little Things is improving access to vital medical equipment for thousands of people and is making a real difference in communities around the world. Your commitment is highly commendable, and you should be proud of how you have inspired others to volunteer for the cause.”

Find out more about The Little Things charity.