As our Summer of Supporters continues, we shine a light on those amazing individuals and groups who carried out challenges on two wheels as well as those who travelled to Malawi to tackle mountains.
On a warm summer’s day, there’s nothing quite like heading out for a bike ride: the wind in your hair, the pedals turning easily beneath your feet, and beautiful countryside passing by as you travel along quiet lanes with only the sounds of nature and your wheels for company.
I should probably admit at this point that I am very clearly not a cyclist. If I’m honest, I’d be much happier if it were still socially acceptable for me to have stabilisers on my wheels. But for many people, cycling is not only a wonderful pastime, it is also a brilliant way to travel, take on a challenge and raise money for causes close to their hearts. This month, we’re celebrating some of the fantastic cycling challenges our supporters have undertaken, alongside a few inspiring fundraising events that have taken place in Malawi. I’ll apologise in advance for any cycling terminology I don’t quite get right!
RideLondon was launched in 2013 following the London 2012 Olympic Games, offering a series of closed-road cycling challenges through London and Essex that followed some of the routes used during the Olympic events. Although the final RideLondon event took place in 2024, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the sights of London while raising money for brilliant causes.
Dawna and Ollie took part in the second ever RideLondon event back in 2014, cycling the 100-mile course alongside 24,000 other amateur cyclists. They were followed in 2016 by Ryan and in 2019 by Jeremy, who very kindly wrote four blogs for us about his experiences, preparation and motivations. If you are thinking about taking on a cycling challenge yourself, they are well worth a read. When RideLondon returned after COVID, Jack, George, John, Peter, Shaun and Steve all took on the challenge and raised over £1700; an amazing endeavour. At the same time Joe and Bridget took on a similar challenge, but in Norwich and got to enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk Broads whilst raising vital funds.
But what if 100 miles on closed roads sounds a little too straightforward? Back in 2017, Sharon and Stu cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End, spending 15 days travelling across Scotland and down the west of England, taking in beautiful UK scenery, plenty of fresh air and more than a few large hills along the way. Their incredible effort raised over £1,700 for Open Arms and another charity close to them.
Two years later, Veronica completed the same challenge in the opposite direction, cycling from England to Scotland. (I know it’s not technically accurate, but I can’t help feeling that route would feel uphill all the way!) After visiting Malawi in 2016, Veronica was inspired to take on a challenge to help raise funds and went on to cycle more than 990 miles — a truly amazing achievement.
Simon clearly wasn’t daunted by the idea of crossing borders either. After cycling 500 miles from Harrogate to Paris, he then ran the Paris Marathon just two days later! His extraordinary endeavour raised over £5,000, and we remain so impressed by, and grateful for, the determination and generosity behind his efforts.
In Malawi, where fuel prices continue to rise and very few families own motorised transport, cycling can be one of the most practical and efficient ways to get around. Bikes help people travel to work, transport goods and, in some places, even operate as taxis.
In 2017, Cycle Malawi brought together 15 people who cycled from Lilongwe to Blantyre, stopping at Mangochi and spending time seeing the work of Open Arms first-hand. Over 10 days, the amazing team travelled over 375km getting to experience some of the stunning Malawian landscapes and with a ‘rest day’ where they spent the day working with the Open Arms Team.
Their arrival in Blantyre was celebrated by the children and the mothers of the Infant Home and was a real party.
Sadly, I’m still struggling with the idea of riding a bike, so maybe I’ll look to fundraising in Malawi itself!
Seb, in 2023, was living and researching in Malawi and wanted to fundraise in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. He chose to take on the 25km Mount Mulanje Porters Race, an annual event in which athletes climb 2,000 metres to the Chambe Basin, passing beneath some of the mountain’s highest peaks before making their way back down to the start. Seb raised over £600 — a fantastic contribution at a time when support was so badly needed.
All the way back in 2019, a group of fundraisers from Orbis Expeditions took on 3 trail runs to provide money for food supplies. They were joined by double Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, and raised over £22,000 for their efforts.
Just over a year ago, 12 women also took on the challenge of climbing Sapitwa, the highest peak in Malawi, at the top of Mount Mulanje. Over three days, they completed their climb, staying in very cramped mountain huts and keeping themselves going with peanut butter and bananas for fuel. Their challenge formed part of Open Arms’ 25th anniversary celebrations, and together they raised a phenomenal £30,000 through their fundraising efforts.
As we come towards the end of our Summer of Supporters, we feel incredibly grateful for every single person who has taken on a challenge, big or small, to support Open Arms. There are so many wonderful stories to share, and while we may not be able to fit everyone in, please know how much your kindness, energy and determination mean to us. Each mile cycled, mountain climbed and pound raised helps make a real difference to the children and families we support in Malawi.
Come back next month where we look at those people who have been quite ‘creative’ in their fundraising ideas!
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