Blantyre-based cyclist Stewart Kambewa is scheduled to take on another long-distance challenge to raise money for a charitable organisation, Friends of Mulanje Orphans (Fomo).
The cyclist, who works as an Information Technology (IT) technician with First Capital Bank, is scheduled to cycle the 2 455 kilometre (km) stretch from the east African country, Kenya.
He will be accompanied on this month-long venture by another cyclist John Moyenda and they will leave on September 1 for the tour that is expected to raise about K15 million.
Kambewa said: “We hope to cycle from Kenya to Mulanje before attempting to climb Mulanje Mountain.”
He said he decided to help after being inspired by Mary Woodworth, who founded Fomo.
“The work she has done and continues to do towards the lives of underprivileged children in the district compelled me to join her efforts,” said Kambewa.
According to Woodworth, the proceeds from the exercise will be used to build children centres in four villages.
She said Kambewa and his colleagues thought of helping the building of Mangani centre in Mangani village.
“Fomo runs with the help of well-wishers and these two are just some of the many out there. It is not about the amount given, but the heart to do something that matters.
“They are doing this together with well-wishers who are contributing towards the challenge,” Woodworth said.
Kambewa–who started cycling during his free time in 2014—recently cycled from Blantyre to Lilongwe for the annual Mother’s Fun Run (MFR) project.
He managed to cycle the distance in 12 hours.
A brainchild of Nation Publications Limited (NPL), MFR aims to consolidate government’s efforts in improving maternal and neonatal healthcare in the country’s public health facilities.
Among others, the project mobilise resources for district hospitals and their respective satellite facilities before handing them over in October, the month in which the country commemorates motherhood.
Meanwhile, NPL marketing manager Albert Banda has drummed up support for the cyclists.
“We are talking of individuals who have a full-time job somewhere, take some time off, just to help bring positive change in society. “This needs overwhelming support from everyone with goodwill. NPL wishes Stewart, who is also our ambassador, the best of luck on his latest endeavour,” said Banda.
