362kms charity walkers receiving overwhelming support

The seven young Malawians, who set off Monday for the  362kms charity from the Capital City Lilongwe to Blantyre to raise funds to buy 11 different medical equipment from India for the High Dependency Unit of Kamuzu Central Hospital’s paediatric ward, greatly appreciate the support they are receiving through social media as well as the travellers they are encountering along the way.

The group’s spokeperson Deborah Mayuni is encouraging the public to continue supporting the team because it keeps them more enthusiastic.

She said as they took off early Thursday morning, they received a visit from musician Gwamba (Duncan Zgambo), who walked a stretch of 2kms with his crew as the group made way towards Dedza.

“More Airtel Money contributions have been coming in and others, who stopped for us on the road gave some money too,” Mayuni said.

“Thank you so much to all who have been so kind as to wave at us on the road and even stop. All the selfie moments are an encouragement and refreshing to us.

“A big thank you to One Stop Pharmacy in Blantyre and Kamuzu Central Hospital and Mr. Richard Suna, who gave us medical supplies and other material for helping keep our walkers in great health care.”

The group, Wanangwa Msutu, Duwa Mvula, Milca Mphepo, Tiyanjane Kapalamula, Ruth Gondwe, Ivy Chilingulo and Kalolo Msaka, started off on this venture from Kamuzu Central Hospital where they were seen off by many supporters including wife to the country’s Vice-president, Madam Mary Chilima.

The seven target to raise MK22 million and they are appealing to the public to sponsor MK362 per kilometre in the campaign whose theme is #362forKCH. Contribution can be sent through Airtel Money on 0991258954 , TNM Mpamba 0881753869 or bank deposits at Standard Bank; Beyond You, City Mall Branch, current account number 01400369314000.

For those outside Malawi, they may give through our ‘gofundme’ page on the following link:
https://www.gofundme.com/2643buc.

There are overwhelming comments of encouragement on their Facebook profile, Beyond You.

Neza Chatuwa said: “Well done all of you doing this for a good cause,” ome said. “Am supporting you all the way…just keep walking…walking ..walking! God bless you all.”

Mhlabase Rhoda Banda said: “Beautiful hearts!!! Keep going! May the Good Lord protect and guide you!”

Another Ruth Kulugomba Banda said: “So proud of you guys! You are fulfilling the greatest commandment of all, love thy neighbour as you love thyself. God bless you abundantly and may the contributions save lives to many!”

Caroline Msewa: “So inspiring…May God keep you safe throughout this journey…You have golden hearts!”

Brenda Grace Phiri: “If only a lot of us could think in line to this, Malawi could change.”

Sheelin Laher said: “This is one of the most beautiful and courageous thing I have ever come across. Let the next generation of kids grow up to be like these seven extraordinary beings. May Allah grant them all they need to achieve this.”

The group has already secured a quotation from Worldwide Pharmaceutical Distributors of India for one defribilitor, one ECG machine, six infusion pumps, four reusable raryngoscopes, four nebulisers, six oxygen concentrators, six patient monitors, five portable oxygen cylinders, five resuscitation bags and masks, 500 suction catheters and four suction machines.

The equipment comes with the manufacturer’s warranty against any defect and that engineers from India shall come to install and demonstrate proper use. First year service is for free with a maximum of three visits.

Dubbed ‘Strides of Hope’, this is a campaign by a charity organisation called Beyond You, whose founder is Duwa Mvula.

“We think as young people, we can also contribute to the development of our nation,” Kayuni said. “We may not at the moment have all the needed finances, but surely we can help mobilise the resources.

“We hope people will be compelled to give toward the cause, seeing as these guys have made such a sacrifice in hope for a better future,” she said.

The group has a support team which will be arranging their lodging and food. They will travel with a doctor on site as well as food and medical supplies.

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