A tribute to a true British heroine

Dr Karen Woo was one of 10 members of a medical team shot and killed by militants on August 5th during a health care mission to remote villages in northern Afghanistan.

Like many, I was saddened by the news of this cowardly attack on the unarmed group of aid workers.

Much can be said about the groups extraordinary efforts in their attempts to help those men, women and children, who've been let down by their own people - courageous, selfless and loving.

Left in their remote towns and villages to battle poverty and disease, whilst their countries so called leaders distract themselves with fighting in tribal regions and martyrdom in the cities.

Dr Woo's quest in Afghanistan was fraught with danger. Anyone who knows anything about the war-torn country will understand that a nomadic aid mission across the region presents a valuable target for those considering westerners Infidels. The miserably poor valleys of Nuristan, one of Afghanistan's most remote, beautiful and dangerous provinces is where the group were stopped and taken to a quiet woodland to be killed.

We should be immensely proud of people like Karen and her fellow team members. Instead of honoring overpaid celebrities and football players we should be paying tribute to the selfless people and charity organisations who care enough to make a difference in this world.They are the real modern days heroes. I hope  that one day, I can be at least half the person she was.

A lasting thought which family and friends can find solace in is the fact that Dr Woo and her team were leaving the region when they were attacked. Meaning, they had successfully achieved what they set out to do. Provide care to those who need it most.

In her last blog post before her death, Dr Karen Woo. 

"Ultimately, I believe that the provision of medical treatment is of fundamental importance and that the effort is worth it to assist those that need it most."

R.I.P