The Team
Challenge Mulanje has been created after Manchester businessman Dave Armstrong took part in Mission Malawi2. After the life changing trip, Dave is keen to ensure that this event is enjoyable for all, and the journey to Malawi in terms of fundraising and fitness is a team effort.
“I want those taking part to have a wonderful experience, to make life long friends and to really feel that they are helping in the most direct way with the orphans in Malawi. Every pound raised, after core costs of flights and bikes, will go towards helping build the new skills centre in Malawi. This centre will have a mega positive effect on all of our 4,000 orphans’ lives, but perhaps more importantly the bond with the participants and the orphans, during their time in Malawi will be a lasting friendship”
Carl is a keen amateur triathlete, who trains with a regional club under expert coaches, some who have trained world and international champions. Previously the chairman of Warrington NSPCC fund raising committee, Carl is an enthusiastic member of the Challenge
Mulanje Project. He is also racing in this years Wooden Spoon Great Lakeland Challenge with his company colleagues.
Besides the day job in the health care logistical sector and his gruelling training regime, he is currently studying HND Quality Management Systems.
His hobbies include photography, art and he is currently researching and writing a novel. He loves to cook savoury and sweet dishes and seems to live on a diet of pancakes!
ESMERELDA PONSONBY-SMYTHE aka Libby
Pictured here with partner in crime Nosheel (at a bad taste party we hasten to mention). Libby and Nosh are the organisers of Gourmet, Studio 54 and Fusion events under their 'Hells Teeth Events' banner and there are plenty more planned in the future.
Libby is no stranger to expedition-type trips, having organised and taken part in a number of overseas caving expeditions. Having said that, over indulgence in Campari and Asian food has taken it's toll and Libby 'has a little work' to do in getting fit for the Challenge.....
Hayley is a Producer for BBC Radio Manchester, which has played it's part in
spreading the word about this years Challenge Mulanje.
She's a keen runner and has signed up for the London Marathon this year - for the first time - hoping to raise money for FOMO ahead of next years trip.
Hayley enjoys the great outdoors, regularly taking camping trips and heading off on mountain biking routes or long hikes into the hills. She's a keen climber and also likes reading books, watching films and drinking wine(!).
She'll be raising money for FOMO through a grand Charity Auction (stay posted for more info) and is very much looking forward to heading out to Malawi to see the fine work the team are doing there.
Canadian born Haitian living in New York City for half of is life, Vincent is no stranger to a biking challenge having completed the Boston/NY AIDS ride 10 years ago. He is very happy to join the team Mulanje 2009 from the other side of the Atlantic and can't wait to meet them all and of course visit the center and the kids in the Motherland. Biking for miles regularly and Bikram yoga is how he's trying to stay fit for the event.
I feel so blessed to be a part of Challenge Mulanje and I am incredibly excited to go to Malawi to help and be a part of the FOMO teamJ I have wanted to get involved with helping orphans for quite some time. Now the opportunity has come into my life for which I am incredibly grateful. Things are coming together so beautifully! Helping the orphans in Malawi is going to be so rewarding. Each and every day people take things for granted, such as food, drink, clothes, a roof over their head and even having parents around to be there for them. I’ve heard such beautiful stories from others, how the orphans are so happy, regardless of their circumstances. This should be an example for all of us!
To help others who are less fortunate than ourselves AND be thankful for what we have in our own lives!!! I urge more people to get involved in helping such a deserving charity. Even if you can’t make the challenge itself, donate, fundraise or sponsor a child! Do your bit to help because it all helps!!!
Hi, I'm Gavin. I'm no stranger to physical events, as a member of Outdoorlads I regularly spend time walking and climbing mountains , cycling and running 10k's. What I'm not sure I am ready for is the emotional challenge of meeting 4,500 orphans. 4,500 children who have been forced to live life alone through no fault of their own. Children who are cared for by the FOMO organisation. I have now heard so much about them, I can't wait to get there and meet them. Wish me luck and sponsor me now!
HELPING DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
HELPING DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Sponsor
Helping Does Make a Difference - Help us to help the Mulanje Orphans.
Either sponsor the team or an individual team member, or just make a donation. Please tick the box which will enable us to claim gift aid.
Support us by supporting our fundraising events - and enjoy yourself in the process!
Fundraising Events
If you have any ideas for a good fundraising event, please contact us.
Volunteer
We are recruiting! If you would like to take part in the Challenge please contact us. Just as importantly, we are looking for people to help us raise our target. PLEASE HELP!