As some of you may know, Annabelle has worked for mothers2mothers (m2m) for the last two and a half years and is currently their European Communications & Partnerships Manager. m2m operates in 7 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including ️Malawi which has been chosen as the host country of the Cycle to Zero 2016 Challenge. Annabelle is not the only member of the family to have spent time in ️Malawi. Angus had a very happy 3 months teaching at a Mission School outside of Zomba during his gap year. He will be returning at the end of this month for a slightly more arduous endeavour. 

She, together with the Manhusen Schwab clan, have persuaded Angus and me to embark on a 250km cycle challenge across Malawi from the Southern Highlands to Cape MaClear. For those of you who know us well, we certainly do not possess Bradley Wiggins’ talent for the sport! We are, however, going to give it a go - and this is why…

m2m has been working in sub-Saharan Africa for 15 years, employing, training, and empowering local women living with HIV, called Mentor Mothers, to work as front-line healthcare workers in severely understaffed clinics and hospitals. They support women just like them to access lifesaving treatment and support to keep them healthy and ensure their baby is born free from HIV. 

Why is this astounding army of Mentor Mothers so key to ending paediatric AIDS? In the simplest form: Africa bears 70% of the world's disease burden, yet as a continent it only has 3% of the world’s Doctors. Formerly marginalised and disempowered by their HIV status, Mentor Mothers are professionalised, employed by m2m, and economically independent, fighting stigma and discrimination by example, becoming role models and leaders in their communities. They are the key to eliminating paediatric HIV.

We can create a generation free of HIV in our lifetime and the funds raised from this epic challenge across Malawi can help to make this happen.

Please would you consider lending your support to the extraordinary work of m2m by making a donation. Thank you so much. 

Charles and Angus 

PS We've included some behind the scenes pictures of Annabelle on recent trips to Kenya and Malawi with m2m