We’re proud to share that WEM Fund founders Mark Hannaford and Luca Alfatti have both been awarded the Fellowship of the Faculty of Remote, Rural & Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
This double recognition highlights their dedication to advancing healthcare in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, and reinforces the values at the heart of the WEM Fund.
The Faculty of Remote, Rural & Humanitarian Healthcare was established in 2018 by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Its mission is to define standards, support excellence, and improve health outcomes in remote, rural, and humanitarian settings around the world.
The Fellowship is a prestigious recognition, awarded to professionals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in these areas. Fellows also gain access to opportunities for research, training, and placements that help strengthen capacity in underserved communities.
Since its beginnings as Medics4Ukraine in 2022, the WEM Fund has delivered more than £4.12 million worth of critical aid and provided over 3,200 in-person training days to communities on the frontline of crisis.
Luca and Mark’s recognition as FRRHH Fellows underscores the credibility and impact of the Fund’s work. It demonstrates that the values guiding the WEM Fund are aligned with global standards of excellence in humanitarian healthcare.
Just last year, both founders, along with members of the wider team, were also honoured with Humanitarian Medals for their outstanding contributions in Ukraine. The FRRHH Fellowship builds on that momentum, affirming the long-term commitment to making healthcare accessible wherever it is needed most.
2022: Medics4Ukraine is Born
Two vans loaded with trauma supplies cross into Ukraine, marking the start of what would become the WEM Fund.
2023: Scaling Up Support
Training expands to hundreds of civilians and medics, with rapid deployments delivering critical trauma care and kits to the frontline.
2024: £3.5 Million Milestone & Humanitarian Medals Awarded
The Fund surpasses £3.5 million in medical support delivered and begins training operations across multiple regions of Ukraine. Mark, Luca, and members of the WEMF team were also recognised for outstanding contributions to humanitarian healthcare.
2025: £4.12 Million Milestone & FRRHH Fellowship
The Fund surpasses £4 million in medical support. Luca Alfatti and Mark Hannaford are awarded the Fellowship of the Faculty of Remote, Rural & Humanitarian Healthcare.
More than just recognition, this achievement opens new opportunities for the WEM Fund to expand partnerships, strengthen its training programmes, and continue supporting communities in crisis zones and remote settings worldwide.
For Mark and Luca, the Fellowship is a personal milestone. For the WEM Fund, it’s a powerful step forward in building credibility, capacity, and global impact.
The WEM Fund is powered by the dedication of volunteers, medics, and supporters who believe in a world where healthcare is accessible, adaptable, and delivered where it’s needed most.
→ Learn more about our mission and how you can support our work
→ Discover WEMF’s brand new UK-based course
WEMF operates as a restricted fund under Humanitas (UK Registered Charity Number 1114639)
