A YEAR of talks and workshops from notable Malvern alumni will be held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of three town schools amalgamating, writes Holly Clement.
Back in 1992, Malvern College joined with Ellersile Girls School and Hillstone Preparatory School.
The three successful colleges came together to become a leading school which has not looked back since.
Their celebrations will include welcoming back notable former students throughout the academic year who will encourage and inspire the collage’s current pupils and those wanting to attend.
Starting off the series, Lara Vafiadis, who works in cyber security, is returning to Malvern on September 23 with an inspirational talk on her challenges and victories of rowing.
Lara studied at Malvern between 2003 and 2006, and starting on December 12, she will be competing in the ‘World’s Toughest Race’.
She will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean solo as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, something only 20 women have ever completed alone.
Lara said: “More people have actually climbed Mount Everest than have rowed across the Atlantic.”
Lara will be raising money for three charities during her adventure, including Plan UK, Our Only World and Prostate Cancer UK.
Plan UK is a global charity helping woman and children around the world, Our Only World is a Cornish charity taking on fight against marine plastic pollution.
Prostate Cancer UK holds a special place in Lara’s heart as her father has been suffering through six years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and various other treatments.
She said: “He is my motivation and inspiration and this row is for him.”
Headmaster Keith Metcalfe said: “Lara is an incredible role model and is the perfect person to launch our series of talks.
“Her challenge is undeniably high-risk and Lara and her determination to row and raise awareness of good causes perfectly sum up what it means to be Malverian.”
The first event starts at 6.30pm this Friday, September 23, in the Gryphon Room with Lara’s talk at 7.15pm.
Email [email protected] to book places.
