They have done it! 362kms charity walkers hit MK22 million target

The seven young Malawians, who made a sacrifice to walk 362kms on a10-day fundraising walk from Lilongwe to Blantyre to raise funds to buy medical equipment from India for the High Dependency Unit of Kamuzu Central Hospital’s paediatric ward, managed to raise the MK22 million needed and even got a surplus of over MK2 million.

The seven noble Malawians — Wanangwa Msutu, Duwa Mvula, Milca Mphepo, Tiyanjane Kapalamula, Ruth Gondwe, Ivy Chilingulo and Kalolo Msaka — started off on this venture from Kamuzu Central Hospital on May 30 and successfully reached Blantyre on June 8 where they were welcomed by many people.

And immediately, to make sure they reach their target to raise the MK22 million, a ‘Welcome Home’ fundraising cocktail was organised at Lilongwe Golf Club on June 10 where MK4.6 Million was made that helped them reach the MK22 miĺlion target was reached.

At the cocktail, the public was requested to pay whatever they can give as an entry fee — MK362 or MK3,620 or MK362,000 or MK3,620,000.

The group’s spokeperson Deborah Mayuni said they are talks with the Indian company, Worldwide pharmaceuticals for logistics as to when they have all the equipment needed to be made available for the High Dependency Unit of Kamuzu Central Hospital’s paediatric ward.

The medical equipment needed from the quote from Worldwide Pharmaceutical Distributors, include 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.

Mayuni says they will have to conclude with Worldwide Pharmaceuticals logistics such as installation, orientation of staff in using the equipment and a maintenance plan.

Hundreds of people supported their cause through well wishing messages on the group’s Facebook page, Beyond You and along the way from Lilongwe, a lot of motorists stopped by them to offer their encouragement and made their donations on the spot.

Here’s what the seven said at the outset:

“I was once that sickly kid. I want another also to be able to say that” –Tiyanjane

“Every child deserves to have someone believe in them” — Duwa

“I believe we are meant to live for so much more, we each have something we can give and something we can do” — Ruth

“To give hope to parents that their children have agreater chance to live” — Wanangwa

“To give every child a chance to be the best they can” — Kalolo

“If this can increase the chances of even just one child living,  it is worth it” — Milca

“I believe I can make a difference. This may not change everything, but it will change something” — Ivy

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