On Sledge and Horseback to Outcast Siberian Lepers

''Thrilling story'' - Gloucester Journal ''My first acquaintance with the ravages of the frightful disease arose during the Russo-Turkish War. Since then except during the period when I took many backward steps and turned away from Christ - a memory ever fraught with the keenest regret - the main subject of my thoughts has been the wants of the lepers and how to relieve them'' Originally published in 1891 in this thrilling travel journal Kate Marsden describes her remarkable journey to the leper colonies in Yakutsk Siberia. Armed with a letter from the Empress of India Queen Victoria herself Marsden first began her travels by sledge accompanied by a friend. However she would later continue on alone on horseback - facing the appalling weather conditions with her customary courage. A perilous journey in which she encountered many obstacles and hardships Marsden''s determination and unwavering concern about the plight of those suffering from leprosy shines through as the fuel that allowed her to complete her mission. Her commitment to leprosy sufferers led her to found the St Francis Leprosy Guild in London in 1895 as well as organising a leprosy hospital in the remote Siberian town of Vilyusk in 1897. Marsden was also made a member of the Russian Imperial Red Cross Society. From a woman who went on to become one of the first females to be appointed a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society On a Sledge and Horseback is an interesting heroic tale of one nurse''s missionary adventure to aid suffering in Siberia. Praise for On a Sledge and Horseback ''A sensational romance'' - Cricket and Football Field ''Everyone ought to learn about the Christian-like devotion of the authoress who is willing and ready to sacrifice her life for the benefit of those of her fellow creature victims to a fell disease [] as a book it has many literary merits [...] and altogether is a fitting record of the remarkable journey. We hope that it may be widely read and appreciated '' - Sheffield Weekly Telegraph Kate Marsden (1859-1931) was the youngest of eight children from an impoverished family who grew up to become a committed nurse. She cared for soldiers in the Russo-Turkish War and undertook many missionary travels to various countries.