A Community That Says ‘Yes’ : The Malcolm Whales Foundation

Some initial thoughts…

I first started writing this in 2024. At the time I wasn’t sure if it was worth sharing, so I left it unfinished. Coming back to it now, I’m still a little unsure what it is, who it’s for, and why I’m writing it at all.

Perhaps it’s something written by me and for me. Something that leaves a mark on the journey of TMWF. Something my children might read in the future when they pick up the baton.

And hopefully something that might be of interest to you.

The Spark That Became a Community

What began as the Dorset Walk and a few supporting events has grown into something with its own identity. As a charity we have always helped, supported and donated to a wide range of causes.

But since Malcolm’s Retreat opened, we’ve found a new perspective. The weekly reviews are emotionally challenging in the reasons people come, and equally powerful in the appreciation they express for the small piece of kindness TMWF offers. It is emotional, shattering and inspirational in equal measure.

I have changed too. When I deliver presentations, I find myself able to share more about the passing of my dad and the impact it had on me. Eighteen years on, I am still grieving, and always will be. TMWF makes me revisit memories and publicly share the story. I am proud that I get to share it as often as I do.

Seeing Life Through a Different Lens

As you get older, you see things differently. The Dorset Walk and its impact are fascinating. Every year people underestimate it. Every year we watch them change in front of our eyes. We expect the change now and we thrive on what it does to people.

The physical, emotional and mental demands of four or five days of walking and camping reveal people. Will they cry, moan, blame quit, or grit their teeth, embrace it and walk through blisters and weathering? Will their friends help them? Encourage them?

It almost doesn’t matter which version appears — the result is the same.

One step at a time.
One mile at a time.
Until you finish – Together.

For some, it’s “I can’t wait for next year.” For others, “never again.” But regardless — you made it. You earned the elation. You can only feel it because you earnt it (magnified because of the challenge).

The Power of Saying ‘Yes’

When I speak, I talk about the power of saying yes. Everyone on the walk, even though there are hundreds, is still part of a minority of those offered the chance. They said yes. They made a statement of intent. And they will be better people for it.

My constant musing is: how do we get more people to say yes? Not just more numbers but the people who don’t consider it, or don’t feel it’s available to them. They are the ones who need it the most. They are the ones who will be impacted beyond measure.

Helping Others

I’ve discovered that helping others is incredibly rewarding, and addictive. I think it’s innate in all of us. We want to look after people. When you put that instinct into focus, that’s where charities thrive. Not financially, but in the common purpose of making a difference together for people who need it.

And often the people who need it are us, walking in memory or support of somebody. It helps you cope. It reduces the feeling of helplessness.

Who am I?

I am three different versions of TMWF:

a teacher,
a dad (and a son),
and the leader of the charity.

This gives me a unique perspective. I see students and new participants take part for the first time and realise what it means. I walk with my wife and three boys in memory of the grandad they never met. And I have the privilege of leading the charity as it becomes bigger, better and more impactful.

Almost by accident, there is a story and I feature in it often. Not because it is about me, but because my dad was the spark, and my role as a teacher created the initial impetus. None of it was clever or planned. The TMWF community has always been there – now it has identity, purpose and momentum. People have started belonging.

To be clear: I was part of the catalyst, but I am not what makes the charity special.

The people are.

Schools and students who have been TMWF’d

The story has always been about people, connections and purpose. Only now is it coming fully into focus — and that is why I want to commit it to writing.

The timeline begins at Hinchingbrooke in 2000. In my interview for my first teaching job was a Year 9 student named Jack Edge. Twenty‑five years later, Jack is a Trustee.

In that same September were two Year 7 students: Rob Balchin and Wayne Bradley. Rob is now our chef on the walk — one of the most important roles we have. Wayne is now Head of PE at Ken Stimpson Academy and leads their school group.

At the 10th anniversary walk, a group of ex‑Hinchingbrooke students I had taught, now adults, joined the walk.

I joined Ely Community College in 2007. I was working there when my dad passed away. The walk launched in 2009, and “the originals” travelled to Dorset for the first time. In 2023, at the 15th anniversary, Nick, Olly, Matt, Lizzy and Helen from ‘the originals’ returned to complete their fifth walk and collect their whisky glass.

Ely College has been ever‑present since 2009. Prince William School joined in year two. Ken Stimpson Academy is now forming a new generation. Swavesey Village College, Arthur Mellows Village College, Hampton Gardens and others are now regular fixtures.

Jody Lapish a PE teacher at Ely and ‘an original’ now brings her new school. Dom Hunt (year 10 in the picture above) a previous Ely student, now a PE teacher at Ely, leads their trip. Zoe also in the picture above now leads the Swavesey trip as their PE teacher.

Families Who Have Said Yes

One of the most powerful aspects of TMWF is that we are adults, children and families supporting children and families impacted by cancer.

Some families have become the spine of the charity ever‑present, always supportive, and absolutely central to TMWF.

The Germans (and Steve)

My in‑laws. Ever‑present in everything TMWF. Malcolm’s Retreat sits on their lake, on their farm. They support us as Trustees, as problem‑solvers, as background supporters. They are always there, and they give so much

The Huttons and the Rices

The dream team of Dorset support. Regulars on camp and the backbone of making the walk tick. Their involvement grew from Fraser’s (Hutton junior) involvement on the walk and our link with Huntingdon Rugby Club. They are now part of the fabric and a crucial part of TWMF camp HQ.

The Welsh Family

Neil (Welsh jnr) — A Trustee and friend of more than twenty years. Leads the Prince William School and has since the early walk years. His parents have been ever‑present on the walk, providing much‑needed camp support and are a core part of the non-walker volunteer team.

The Emerys (and Naomi)

Jack (son), a former Ely College student and now Trustee. Andy (dad), one of our most enthusiastic supporters and the mastermind behind so much of our sponsorship. Naomi, Jack’s partner, who has become a walk regular for a decade and our Ball expert. And Will (brother), a regular running supporter.

The Read Army

Kathryn and Brian, both Trustees, and their four children – Jack, Liam, Harry and Sophie, who are TMWF through and through. From support to fundraising to merchandising , they bring enthusiasm that is never ending.

The Marleys

Zoe, who began as an Ely College student and walker and is now a Trustee. Becky and Deb, who support tirelessly. After losing Richard, Zoe and Becky’s dad and husband to Deb — to cancer, they created the annual Richard Marley Netball Tournament and have become huge supporters of TMWF. Like the other families here, they fully embody the spirit of what we stand for.

Our Super‑Keen Individuals

People like Sam Browning, the Hutchcrafts, the Whites, Pete Monaghan, Rob Balchin and the teachers for the schools many others step forward again and again.

The Wider Yes Community

Our Trustees, Patrons, Ambassadors and volunteers all speak the same language (even in the bios on the website): pride, challenge, inspiration.

Two key members are: Tony McInally, who recently stepped down, was there as a parent on the first walk and helped shape the Dorset Walk identity. Stuart Patman, a founding Trustee and a Ely original, has been there with me literally every step of the way.

TMWF now reaches into the wider community from Charlie a Patron at the Three Horseshoes Pub to the community lend scheme supporting local schools and sports clubs. The impact spreads far beyond the walk itself.

A 2026 Reflection

If you have said yes to TMWF, you understand — or you are beginning to.

If you have said yes more than once, you nodded along to everything I’ve written.

We are far more than an annual sponsored walk. TMWF is a community of people coming together for a common purpose. Taking on challenges. Making a difference. Supporting families. Supporting each other.

There was never a plan. Nobody knew where this was going. Now we approach twenty years and £1 million raised.

What makes me proudest is not the money — it is the impact TMWF has on people, and how much they care about it. It turns out it isn’t just me. There are hundreds of you.

What comes next, what will the impact be as we reach 20 years, 25 years?

To help and to be part of it – all you have to do is say yes.