We're delighted that Open Arms Malawi has been selected to take part in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race on 13th June 2026.
The day will start with a fabulous parade of decorated beds through the town centre. With this year's theme of Swinging Sixties, Open Arms will be bringing a bit of Malawi to the parade with a 'Lotus Flower Power' theme. The lotus flower being the national flower of Malawi.
Following the parade, our team of six will join the other 90+ teams, pushing their bed (including a small passenger) on a gruelling 2.4 mile race.
This takes them through parkland, through the Nidd Gorge, up the incredibly steep Castle Ings to the town centre. They then hurtle down High Street and Bond End, cross High Bridge and dash to the climax of the event: the 30-yard swim through the ever-icy waters of the River Nidd - beds, passenger, racers and all.
The team recently practiced the river crossing, and were relieved to find that the bed did float, and their young passenger remained relatively dry!
We're incredibly grateful for our team of runners - Imogen, Alistair, Simon, Nicola, Colleen, Caroline and Caitlin (our passenger) - for taking on this challenge to support Open Arms Malawi.
Imogen knows first hand the impact of Open Arms' work, having first visited Open Arms in Malawi on a school trip with Ashville College in 2019 and then again in 2024 with her mum. She's no stranger to challenges either, having run the Amsterdam marathon in aid of Open Arms Malawi in 2023.
We do hope you can come along and support the team. If you are able to donate to the team's fundraising and give them encouragement, please visit their JustGiving page.
All support will help build brighter futures for Malawi's vulnerable children. Thank you!
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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