I derive a huge part of my own motivation from knowing that much of what I do directly benefits causes that I have a close empathy with. When the chips are down I can dig deep and find hitherto unrealised strength from reminding myself that I’m out there hurting because through doing so I’m helping ease the pain of others.
My life has been much affected by two tragic losses – as a 9-year old I lost my older brother Alan to leukaemia and as a 35-year old I discovered the body of my brother-in-law Max after he had taken his own life. This is why all my major adventures to date have been in aid of either Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ or the Mental Health Foundation of NZ. All told these projects have raised almost $800,000. But I’m not done yet and as a passionate advocate for getting active in the great outdoors as a way of helping manage mental wellbeing I will continue to lead by example and raise money to enable the Mental Health Foundation to carry on their brilliant work. This includes donating a portion of all my speaking fees to the charity.
“The Mental Health Foundation has worked with Mal Law for four years. He has become our most trusted advocate and ally in promoting mental health and wellbeing to the population. Mal embodies and enacts the positive messages and through doing so inspires others to take action and go well beyond the usual. As a fundraiser, Mal is second to none because he is an irresistible and indefatigable communicator through his own example and actions. We are indeed privileged to count Mal as part of our whanau”
Judi Clements
Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation of NZ
June 2015
“I admire Mal’s work and how he has generously gone about it. He has been an inspiration and has been tirelessly energized to substantially support several charities that are dear to his heart. Mal is a supreme fundraiser and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last few years. This in itself is no mean feat, however, it is accompanied by undertaking incredible physical feats that are well beyond most people. Alongside the fundraising and long distance running Mal also has a great ability in being able to bring a community behind him and gain great media coverage”
