Hello Beautiful People. Ready...? I need your help! 

In true Ellie fashion I have decided to do something a bit crazy... I want to take part in a 25km race up the highest mountain in Malawi and raise money for those affected by the Grenfell Fire. Originally started in 1996, the race was limited to porters and guides who routinely assist tourists up the most famous mountain in Malawi: Mount Mulanje. 

When I first arrived here, Mount Mulanje was on my to do list. Located in the southern region (about 800km away from my home base), I never got around to making the trip. Usually, people take a 3 day hike and camp along the way, taking the time to walk to the summit and enjoy the mountain and the views. 

When I heard that there was a RACE up the mountain, I couldn't get the thought out of my mind. Since late 2015 I have been working on getting the fitness level of my teenage years back (Yeah right! Those days are long gone). I started running again, starting off with a few kilometers at a time. Using the football field in the village, egged on by school kids, I would wake up at 5am before the sun got too hot and drag myself, red faced and panting, around the field. I kept it up, working my way up to 5km 5 days a week. 

Fast forward 2 years... With a few 'falls of the wagon' as most people do, i'm still running! I graduated from the football field to the lakeshore, doing runs across the waters edge a few mornings a week. Then, I hit the road! Now I run down the M1, the main road in Malawi. Cargo trucks, people carriers, petrol lorries, bullock carts, bicycles and gaggles of children frequently pass me by as I embark on the 12km run to and from the market twice a week. 

When I heard about the race, I attempted my first mountain run: a 20km run up and down a mountain which has an elevation of about 1,200 meters. 

It. Was. Tough. 

In contrast to my 'small' mountain test run, the plateau the Porters Race crosses is 2,500m high(!!!) With a total distance longer than a half marathon across dangerous surfaces, this race is not for the feint hearted.  Dubbed as 'Africas Biggest Challenge', over 500 runners are expected to race, with participants coming from nearby African countries and western countries alike.  

During the preparations for my run, I started to think about a cause I could dedicate my efforts towards. It was around this time that I heard about the Grenfell Fire in London.  I'm asking my friends and family to support my fundraising effort and donate to the British Red Cross, who have set up an appeal called the London Fire Relief Fund. 

The fund directs money towards people affected by the fire, including those who have lost everything, to buy the things they need to give themselves and their families as much normality as they can get. By donating, you will be able to help those who have been injured, bereaved, left destitute or traumatised by the fire. 

I've chosen this charity to fundraise for because they have a long history working in disaster relief. The charity has been asked by Kensington and Chelsea council to help co-ordinate fundraising in an appeal to support the residents and neighbours of the Grenfell Tower.

I'm 100% sure that this is going to be the toughest, most challenging and potentially dangerous thing i've ever embarked on, but I am going to give it my best shot. On 5th July, i'm making my way to the other side of the country (which I have never visited), with a pair of second hand trainers and a bag of energy bars, in an attempt to run the race in under 5 hours. 

Am I nervous? YES. 

Do I care? Absolutely not. 

Mulanje.... I'm coming for you!!! 

Dig deep people and give what you can to a great cause! Thanks for reading and I hope you will stand with me in supporting those affected by this crisis.

Love,

Ellie 

http://www.redcross.org.uk/About-us/News/2017/June/London-Fire-Relief-Fund

http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/news/index.asp?NewsID=601