Done and Dusted | Gus strikes Gold!

Beth Bauer • September 17, 2021

Sparkle’s ambassador, Gus Burton, was crowned The Intelligent Money British GT4 Champion along with his co-driver, Will Burns, following their win in an exciting finish to the second race in the wet at Oulton Park, Cheshire on 12th September.



SRO, the championship organizers, said “They’ve done it, and with a race to spare. Congratulations to Century Motorsport’s Will Burns and Gus Burton who claimed their third victory of the campaign in Race 2 at Oulton Park. What a season, what a pairing!”


Gus, in paying tribute to the support he’s received, said “my thanks to BMW Motorsport and Century Motorsport for providing such a well-balanced car which gives us, as drivers, the confidence to perform to the highest standard – and my special praise is reserved for my co-driver, Will Burns, who’s done a sterling job all season. All in all, it’s been a phenomenal team effort, winning three and securing six podiums from eight races. And, we still have one more race to go at Donington Park on 17th October 2021.”


“After receiving Rising Star recognition early this year from The British Racing Drivers Club, it is testament to Gus’ application and professionalism that he readily adapted to a new car in Britain’s pre-eminent endurance race championship and won it in his maiden season. If Gus continues on this trajectory, he has a very promising future in racing”, said Century Team boss, Nathan Freke.


Gus, who visited the Sparkle children in 2019, is an avid supporter of Sparkle Malawi and raised over £50k for the charity in previous years.

To keep up to date with Gus, follow him on Instagram at @gustavburton

From YouTube Tutorials to Lifesaving Care

By Sarah Brook • February 10, 2025
Sparkle's Clinic Transformation 

Global Crises, Local Impact: How Malawi Faces Climate and Conflict Challenges

By Sarah Brook • February 3, 2025
Malawi is on the frontlines of global crises. Cyclone Deirdre, though less devastating than Cyclone Freddy, ripped off the roof of Sparkle Farm’s newly built toilet - a frustrating setback as we work toward sustainable feeding programmes. Adding to the strain, delayed rains now push planting seasons from December to late January, shrinking growing periods and increasing crop failure risks. With 80% of Malawians relying on agriculture, the situation is dire. Last year’s harvests already fell short, leaving many vulnerable to hunger. Ripple Effects of Global Conflicts Global conflicts amplify these challenges. Mozambique, once a food lifeline, is now hindered by insurgencies. The war in Ukraine has created fertiliser shortages, not just price hikes. With Ukraine being a key supplier, farmers in Malawi are unable to access critical agricultural inputs, further threatening yields. As aid is diverted to other global crises, like Palestine, African nations like Malawi are left struggling with fewer resources to tackle mounting issues. Climate Change and Inequality Climate change compounds the crisis. Though Malawi contributes less than 0.1% to global emissions, it’s among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries. Cyclones, floods, and droughts are increasingly frequent, forcing communities into a relentless cycle of rebuilding. In rural areas, a lack of knowledge about sustainable practices leaves farmers using the same overworked land year after year, depleting soil quality and further reducing crop productivity.

The Heart of Sustainability: How Community Involvement Powers Our Nutrition Program

By chimwemwe gawa • January 24, 2025
The lifespan of many charity organisations is often startlingly short—most fold within just a few years, unable to sustain their work without consistent support. At The Sparkle Foundation, we have learned an essential truth: sustainability is not only about funding or resources. It is about involving the community. When people take ownership of a program, they ensure its longevity, impact, and meaningfulness. This principle guides our nutrition program, which provides breakfast and lunch to preschool and primary school children daily. But this program is not just about the meals—it is about the people who make them possible. Parents play an essential role, contributing firewood for cooking and dedicating their time and effort to preparing meals and cleaning dishes. Their involvement turns an ordinary program into a shared mission and a testament to the strength of collective action. Shared Ownership for Shared Success Every morning, guardians arrive at our three early childhood development centres, eager to help. With their assistance, we prepare breakfast and lunch, ensuring every child receives the nourishment needed to grow, learn, and thrive. Their involvement transforms meal preparation into a lively community activity, promoting a sense of shared purpose and pride. This hands-on involvement is not only practical but also transformative. By actively engaging, guardians become partners in their children's well-being. They demonstrate to their children that education and nutrition are important priorities that require collective effort. 
More Posts
Share by: