July 2005 - HELP WITH TRANSPORT IN MALAWI

Elspeth gratefully received the keys to a four-wheel drive vehicle, kindly donated by Smile Malawi's friends at Atkins Rail.

Two days later it was en route to Tanzania, for collection and driving on to Malawi.

It will be invaluable for helping project and orphanage personnel to travel round the country and the region.

July 2005 - AEROBATHON HELPS ORPHANS IN MALAWI

Members of the Rosemary Conley diet and fitness clubs in Medway joined together on 17th July to take part in a sponsored aerobathon to raise funds for Smile Malawi. Club leader Carol Wilson organised the event after she found out that Elspeth had founded the charity last year and was being sponsored on her Rosemary Conley diet to raise vital funds for the building work.

Carol immediately felt that she wanted to help Elspeth and designed a special session of aerobics and salsa dancing which lasted for 90 minutes but allowed a few breaks for cooling glasses of water - it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year, so extra fans were brought in and volunteers helped give out refreshments to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves at the same time as burning the calories.

The event took place in the Sports Hall at Woodlands Road School in Gillingham and was attended by around 40 members and friends who together raised around £800 for the charity. (Elspeth was successful with her diet, and lost her target one stone in just a few weeks raising a further £200 for the charity).

September 2005 - SPONSORED KILIMANJARO CLIMB

Grateful thanks go to Anthony Dixon (on the left) who raised over £3000 for Smile Malawi when he climbed the mountain before coming on to Malawi to help paint the orphanage in October and November.

He was accompanied on the climb by his school friend Alan Cameron, and then they met up with another friend Dominic Merritt in Malawi to help there.