WEEK ONE: MA Founders Volunteer with All Hands and Hearts
Sun 14 Jun 2026
Annie Gault, MA, Marketing Coordinator
Mark & Lynda Bridge, founders of Mark Antony Estates, are spendin 6 weeks volunteering on the remote Philippine island of Catanduanes, helping to build a school for children in need. The island is frequently hit by typhoons, leaving communities reliant on disaster relief charities - like All Hands And Hearts - to rebuild their infrastructure. Working six days a week, their efforts highlight a meaningful commitment to supporting vulnerable communities despite challenging conditions.
CLICK HERE to read more about what inspired Mark & Lyn to dedicate themselves to this cause.
Monday: First leg of the journey, Manchester to Manila (Philippines capital).
Tuesday: Second leg of the journey, Manila to Virac (largest city in Catanduanes).
Wednesday: Overnight in Virac hotel, last time with reliable wifi or mobile data! A storm in the night flooded under their hotel room door and soaked some of their packed clothes.
Week One - Journal
Thursday: Travel to AHAH base.
Private transfer fell through last minute, had to get to transport terminal via tricycle carrying two people, four suitcases and two rucksacks, all balanced on three wheels.
A van picked them up from the terminal, its aircon failed, luggage was roped to the roof. Long drive to the base via hairpin mountain roads that almost threw the luggage over the side.
Upon arrival, local residents were delighted to meet them and helped them to unpack. Dinner was cooked by the locals in outdoor kitchens. Simple facilities on base - no toilet seat and bucket-and-ladle showers. The small bunks sleep four to a room; very hot, no airflow, adorned with mosquito nets. Sleep was difficult.
Friday: Orientation and work begins!
Morning sessions on safety, local culture, and most importantly - the impact losing their school had on the community, how the children were affected, and what the rebuild will give them back. Volunteers' contributions provide school access to children who would otherwise go without education. Mark's journal reads: "To see this reality brought the work we're doing even closer to our hearts".
Work began in the afternoon, the first real taste of the labour. Power tool training, and backfilling with spades and wheelbarrows in full sun and protective gear. Exhausting, dehydrating work. Mark threw up twice.
Saturday: Yes, Saturday is a work day!
Morning briefing, then multiple loads of stones to transport via wheelbarrow. The heat and physical demand are brutal. Base staff watch out for each other; when volunteers struggle, there are lighter duties for them until they recover.
At the end of the working day, they travelled several hours via road and motorised bamboo boat to a secluded and strictly no-tourist island that they simply wouldn't be able to access without the long standing relationship AHAH have built with the local community.
The evening was spent on a beach watching the stars; "among the most genuinely peaceful experiences imaginable".
Sunday: Day off.
Hammocks, swimming, walking and well earned rest. Highlight of the day: Lyn, who is a non-swimmer, built up her courage and snorkelled for the first time in her life. Boat back to base was delayed by low tide, allowing for more water and rest. WiFi access at a tiny cafe gave them a brief window to reconnect with home.
Monday: Routine begins.
Morning spent organising a mountain of workshop waste. Mark built window frames from warped timber, very fiddly. Lyn salvaged wires and scrap metal, and took her turn with on-site chores.
Evening debrief, then communal dinner duty. Chores rotate around everyone, no exceptions.
Tuesday: Getting stuck in.
Mark constructed more window frames, large doorframes and the doors themselves. Lyn hauled buckets of water between the well and site storage tank, along with keeping plaster damp. Evening spent doing communal arts and crafts, making bracelets and painting rocks - a deliberate, tech-free space to wind down together.
Wednesday: Fighting tiredness.
Broken sleep, then a hard day racing to finish the last window frames, with another 8ft canteen door yet to make. Mark's journal reads: "The fatigue by this point is real and cumulative".
How can YOU help?
If you can spare anything at all, please donate by clicking the banner below.You can rest assured that every single penny donated through Mark & Lyn's official fundraiser page goes directly to the project. Even just a couple of pounds buys essential building materials like bags of plaster or nails that simply aren't available otherwise.
It's support from back home that keeps volunteers going through the heat and hard work!
