Meet Mary
Mary Mbena
Meet Mary, 22. She has HIV and is meant to drink safe, clean water to stay healthy. But she has no access to a borehole. She is worried for her two young daughters. Her youngest child Faith also has HIV and is ill regularly.
“They told me that water is very important, especially when we take our medicine. We take it with water so we need that water to be clean… Every morning I have to cook porridge and then I need water and the water should be clean.”
Mary boils the water but it’s not enough
Like any good mother, Mary does all she can to protect her family. But the only water they have to drink is from a nearby river.
“I am always worried because I know what I am giving my child Faith is not right. It’s like I am not doing the right thing. But because we don’t have clean water around us, because we don’t have bore holes around us, I have to give what we have. But really it makes me worried.”
Mary is determined to bring safe water to Kaniche, for the sake of her health and that of her children.
“I feel I will be a spark because I am one of the people that’s very much hoping for clean water. As soon as we get the water I know I will be one of the first people to get much better.”
Read the latest posts featuring Mary and her family.
Watch as Mary looks forward to a healthier life for herself and her children, as you help to bring safe, clean water to Kaniche this Summer.
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Every pound you donate before 18 September will be doubled by the UK Government – so we can give twice as much help. If you are a UK taxpayer you can also add Gift Aid to your donation at no cost to you. £10 + Government matching = £20. Plus Gift Aid = £22.50 = more lives transformed.
Every penny we raise through The Big Dig Appeal will help to transform lives forever in Malawi.
have you got a family?
Hi Holly,
Mary does have a family. Along with her two young girls, she has a grandmother and aunt in Kaniche. Until recently she was staying with her Aunt but recently she moved to her own small home just a few houses away.
For Mary who plans for a great future for her and her children Nuria and Faith. Please make her dreams come true.
Dear Mary, thank you for sharing your story and for inspiring others to give. I hope you get your clean water pump soon and my donation helps you achieve this for your and your village. I wish you & your beautiful daughter and healthy and happy life and hope the new water pumps arrive soon so you no longer have to worry about water for your child. Wishing you smiles and happiness x Julie x
What a truly inspiring story. As a mother to a young girl myself I understand how heartbreaking it must be to have no choice but to feed your daughters dirty water. I will be donating regularly and looking forward to the day you finaly get access to the clean water that you and your beautiful family deserve.
Wishing you, and your neighbours in Kaniche, every happiness for the future,
Charlotte x
My daughter Rose (aged 4) sent some of her own money to help Mary with her baby.
It makes me so sad when I see how hard people like have to work to get something that we just take for granted. I hope the borehole and sanitation are soon installed where you live so that the quality of your life and your family’s can dramatically improve.
My very best wishes.
Martin.
Thanks Martin. Your thoughts are hugely welcomed. We’ll make sure Mary receives them. Angharad
That’s beautiful Melanie, thank you Rose! Very kind and caring of you. Angharad
Dear Mary. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You will inspire so many people to donate money to help your village gain access to the clean, safe water that you need. It must be so difficult not having safe water to give your lovely children, but please do not blame yourself. You can only do your best, and I can tell from your video that you try so hard to make the best out of life! I will continue to support you and wish for the brightest future for you and your family. All the very best love and luck Xxxx
Thank you Mary for your truly inspiring story. You are truly inspirational individual and your story was so heart filled. I pray you get clean water for your village. I will be continuing my donations to assist you and others in receiving clean water. I wish you and your lovely family all the best in the future. Lots of love. xxx