I was born and bought up in Malawi and have the opportunity to give back to this great African country.  You all will have seen the dreadful situation with the accessibility of healthcare in Africa - With this project we can make a significant difference.  This is a project close to my family's hearts, with my Mum's family born and raised in Zambia and Malawi and my Dad born and raised a Rhodesian.

I am taking part in an epic Lands End to John O'Groats motorcycle run to raise money for the Chauncy Maples Malawi Trust. The Chauncy Maples is  Africa's oldest ship and the trust has been set up to raise money to renovate her and convert her back to her original use as a floating clinic to serve the lake-side people who currently have no medical care. My mum and her family grew up in Malawi so this project is particularly close to their hearts. 

Lake Malawi is the third largest in Africa and 9th largest in the world. The lake is about 350 miles long and 50 miles wide, and makes up 20% of the surface of Malawi. 

While Malawi is a peaceful country, it is not without it's problems. More than 50% of the 13 million population live in poverty, with an income of less than £200 per year and a legal minimum wage of 50p per day. The under 5 death rate has come down dramatically from 334 per 1,000 live births in 1970 to 111 in 2007 (5:1,000 in UK in 2007). There are 250 doctors in Malawi - one doctor for every 52,000 people (1 doctor per 500 in UK). 

The Chauncy Maples will significantly improve access to healthcare for those who need it the most, so please give generously!