Sunday 27 July 2008

Fundraising - The Milland Valley 14

Next Sunday I'm going to be running a 14-mile race in Liphook to raise money for the project. This will be the longest I've ever run (last year I did a half-marathon, 13.1 miles). I signed up for this race because I thought it would be a little more challenging, but I missed this part of the race website which says:

"The terrain is hilly and the long race is particularly tough. Taking place in August, the weather can also be hot although water stations are provided along the route."

Hmm...so it's longer and more difficult.

Anyway, pray for me! Also if anyone would like to sponsor me, that would be wonderful. Please get in touch with me if you're interested. Thanks!

Thursday 24 July 2008

Who We Are...

At this point...people working for the project are myself (Maggy) and my dear friend, Emily. We both have an interest in International Development and are looking to channel this energy into something real, like this project. So right now, the project consists of two 25 year old women, who think they have it in them to pull this off!
When I left Malawi in December, I had asked two men in Chisala if they would oversee the project when it came time to start building. I asked them for two reasons. They were both heavily involved in the project I was working on at at the time and were more reliable and trustworthy than anyone I'd met during my time there. They are also well respected in the community and they know the politics of this small Malawian village. They know how to make things happen. These two men are Douglas Gondwe and Chipulouha Banda (the 2 men on the right.)

The Beginning

This is the start of what I know will be a very long and arduous journey...in every way. From researching and fund-raising to project planning and finally overseeing the project in Malawi. But we're so excited to work with this amazing community and provide them with the maternity ward that their clinic so desperately needs.
The idea for this project was conceived in December 2007 when I went to Malawi the first time and hopefully the project will be completed by December 2009. We are going to need all the help, support, ideas and money(!) we can get.