The healthcare system in particular is under funded and in need of modernization. Diseases such as cancer, whilst well supported and openly discussed in western society, remain somewhat taboo and unsupported sadly resulting in only 30% of people with terminal cancer in Albania receive the pain-relieving care they need. For many the only medications available are over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol.

But as with many aspects of life in Albania, things are changing and for the better.

Established and well regarded charity, Sue Ryder has, under their international arm– Sue Ryder Albania – been working in the Balkan nation since 1993, providing essential care to people with terminal cancer. Visiting patients at home and providing pain relieving care, many of whom will have had no previous treatment for their cancer, the doctors and nurses of Sue Ryder Albania provide end of life care at no cost to people already living in extreme hardship.  Without Sue Ryder’s support, every year hundreds of people would spend their final days in agony and distress, as Albania´s state health system currently only provides end of life care to only 12% of those who need it.

Going the extra mile, the charity’s specialist medical teams establish close relationships with the people they visit, treating each of them as a person, not just a patient. They also provide families with emotional support to ensure that each person’s final days and moments are comfortable and dignified.

Sue Ryder Albania is the national voice and leading provider of end of life care in Albania. The charity also continues to advocate for change and raise awareness as well as train key medical staff in the country. However Sue Ryder Albania is entirely dependent on donations as Government resources are focused elsewhere.

Therefore, seizing this opportunity to give back to the community, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa in Albania is proud to support Sue Ryder Albania in 2013.

Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director of Lalzit Bay comments,

“I am delighted to announce our partnership with Sue Ryder Albania. This superb charity undertakes invaluable work on the ground here in Albania with its doctors and nurses often the unsung heroes. It will be fantastic to raise the profile of the charity as well as help raise funds to support one Sue Ryder specialist nurse for a year.”

A charity ‘Britannia Ball’ will be held on Saturday 27th April 2013 at The Rognor Hotel, Tirana to help raise both awareness and funds for Sue Ryder Albania. Tickets to the ball will include a typically British three course meal and excellent entertainment for the evening. For all inquiries and for tickets please contact the ball committee