We are fundraising for urgent cancer treatment for our inspirational team member Patrick Gondwe. Patrick has a type of skin cancer on his leg, and needs to receive radiotherapy, but this treatment is not available in Malawi. He needs to travel to Tanzania for treatment. We have found a hospital in Dar Es Salaam and he will be travelling next week.

Anyone who has visited Butterfly Space or Stepping Stones projects will most probably have met Patrick. He is a primary school teacher who has a real passion for empowering, developing and creating opportunities for his community. Most recently, he has been the power house behind building Pundu Disability Centre, giving opportunities to disabled people. He is a real community hero.

Patrick had his other leg amputated some years ago because of the same cancer. He has a prosthetic limb. This has not held him back - he is very active, walking long distances over uneven ground, riding on motorbike taxis, and visiting projects in very remote locations. If he doesn't receive radiotherapy, he will need to have his other leg amputated. This will have a life changing impact for both him, and his family. He will most probably be unable to work ,which will impoverish his family.

We have decided to set up a fundraiser to help Patrick get this life-saving treatment. We have estimated, from a quote sent by the hospital in Dar Es Salaam, that the treatment, travel, and costs will come to around £1200. He will travel with his wife, who will help with caring for him.