The Team

 

Age: 30

 

 

Matthew is the driving force behind the team and the passion he feels for what the team are doing is very evident. Matthew spends a great deal of time promoting the work of MHPF and whether it be speaking on local radio stations or addressing the British Tanzanian Society, all of those who meet him are immediately struck by his enthusiasm for something which is obviously very important to him.

 

This is the second time that Matthew will be riding for African education. It was Matthew who had devised the idea of Lands End to John O'Groats and now a fleeting comment from a work colleague had resulted in him identifying the perfect 2nd challenge - cycling to Africa!

 

"I spent 12 long months prior to the ride wondering how I would feel when it was over. Would i miss it or would i never want to ride again? The answer; having been back for 2 days I wanted more! Although Lands End to John O'Groats was both mentally and physically exhausting, I missed the whole idea of the challenge. The gratitude heard from Simantoi when i told her how much we had raised for Memusi was something that will stay with me throughout my life.

This time around, the challenge is bigger than ever and will certainly be the challenge of a lifetime. I honestly question my own sanity at times and i think perhaps others are doing the same when they ask 'whats next?'. One thing that I know is that in 18 months we will have cycled on African soil and provided more opportunities for those who currently have none. Through the success of the challenges that we face, we are changing peoples lives forever." (Matt)

 

 

 

Age: 35

 

 

Like Matthew, this will be Jons second challenge. The thrill of doing the LEJOG ride really captured his imagination. Although not as directly involved with the day to day running of the charity as Matthew, Jon is equally as passionate and enthusiastic about the charities vision.

 

The passion that Jon has for the ride and and his continued drive will be critical for the success of 2 Million Revolutions from Home. Throughout the previous ride, it was Jon that challenged the team to raise their game and push onwards. There is no doubt that the cycle ride to Africa will be more mentally and physically tough and a great deal of responsibility will lay on Jons shoulders to drive the team forward.

 

 

"The sense of not only seeing the beautiful scenery, but being part of it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives. One thing that none of the books will ever tell you about finishing a ride like LEJOG is that through all of the blood, sweat, tears and tantrums and when those 8 torturous days come to an end, you will miss it like crazy. " (Jon)

  

 

 

 

 

 

Age: 35

 

 

For a long time, Barry had been looking for the means to pursue not only his passion for Africa, but also to provide direct help to African families and communities who were in need of education. The act of simply making monthly donations to charities was no longer enough for him.

 

After witnessing the success that the LEJOG team had enjoyed through fundraising and also seeing the personal satisfaction that each had gained from their experience, Barry felt that this was what he had been waiting for. His tireless enthusiasm for both the ride and the charity will surely keep everyones spirits high in the months to come.

 

Barry possesses a mild manner and a logical approach to the challenges he faces. It will be these skills that provide the balance needed to create a bonded team.

 

"The mission is revealed to be a bike ride to Africa. I'm very excited. It feels like a real adventure and I'm pleased to be involved. I know there is a lot of work to be done but I'm ready to put the hours in on the bike.

Will I get used to the saddle pain? It looks like I'm going to find out. It's a bloody long way so let's hope so!" (Barry)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age: 64

 

The fact that the LEJOG trip could simply not have happened without Howards support means that he will again be central to the success of the African challenge. His ability to navigate and route plan is second to none and this knowledge and expertise will be invaluble.

 

Howard drove the support vehicle througout the LEJOG trip and the opportunity for him to now navigate the team through the backwaters of rural France and Spain and then into Africa is a challenge which he is relishing.

 

Howards support for the MHPF remains as focused as ever and he is looking forward to providing his continued support to the work that the foundation are carrying out in Africa. Over the past year, Howards involvement in the MHPF has grown. Howard feels passionately about providing opportunities in Africa through Education. He believes in the work that the Foundation are trying to do and he has remained a constant reference point for advice when challenges are faced. It is Howards belief that has seen success delivered through the Foundation as well as success in the completion of the Lands End to John O'Groats challenge.

Therefore, as well as Howards desire to be part of the challenge to cycle to Africa it is critical that he continues to play a major role to help the team achieve major success.