Many women in the country were living with the discomfort and shame of a fistula, an internal injury caused by childbirth that leaves sufferers leaking urine or faeces, and sometimes both.

But with access to proper healthcare, mothers can avoid these injuries that leave them with debilitating physical consequences and isolated from their communities.

Dr Hamlin, now 92, still lives in Ethiopia, where the foundation established by her and her husband runs six fistula hospitals, a rehabilitation centre and a midwifery college.

To support her work, Fortuna Villa owners Paul and Lisa Banks are hosting a fundraising high tea on September 11, which also happens to be Ethiopian New Year, with all profits going to Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.

The couple’s adopted daughter Ruby, 8, comes from a town where one of the Hamlin hospitals is located.

Mrs Banks said she read Dr Hamlin’s book while going through the adoption process and the couple saw her work in action when they travelled to Ethiopia to pick up Ruby.

“Once you’ve been there, you fall in love with the place and your heart’s there,” she said.

“We felt we had to continue to help.”

They have since also donated goods to some of the hospitals collected through their own charity work.

“We know how much help is needed,” Mrs Banks said.

She said the fundraising event would include a lucky door prize, a raffle, a fashion parade, a “glass of bubbles” on arrival and the Fortuna Villa high tea.

For more information or to book, contact Mrs Banks on 0429 397 551 or at lisa@regionalreach.com.

The Fortuna Villa fundraising page can be found here.