It didn’t really seem like we were out there for a week. From landing in Entebbe, to the dirt tracks and highly uncomforting driving skills of  Kampala, to the first sight of Buikwe, to building the second school to then becoming a part of the community – the stories and experiences we crammed into one week were unforgettable. I’d like to let pictures do the talking so I’ve listed my personal top five experiences:

• > Number 1: Getting to work on the building site. Throwing bricks, lifting concrete, throwing more bricks, dodging poorly thrown bricks – then doing all of this after it had rained – that’s what made my experience out there.
• > Number 2: Losing 2-1 in one of the most technically challenging and exhausting football games I’ve ever played. We played to a crowd of 300, our opposition were at most half the size of us.
• > Number 3: First School Opening Ceremony – to be a part of the ceremony and to fully comprehend the incredible impact this project is having on the Buikwe community. Everybody was so proud of the work that had been done so far and I got to speak to the Headmaster of the school who couldn’t have been happier.
• > Number 4: Getting to know the locals – whether learning African drumming with music teacher Joy, trying to handle becoming a climbing frame for the dozens of kids in the village or speaking to the builders I always left with a smile of my face at how positive, happy and welcoming they were.
• > Number 5: Knowing that this is just the start – the plans for Buikwe are ambitious to see the least. But I’ve met the people who are determined to make this happen – and I’m going to do all I can to be there for the ride.

We’re all back in England – our in-boxes clogged with photos, videos and the dozens of stories we all got to experience out in Buikwe. I know have great friends and great stories from just one week.

After 2 months of fundraising the time has finally come. When I first started fundraising I never thought I’d be able to get to a £1,000 – it’s such a massive total to get to. It had to happen, but I couldn’t work out how. Did I even know a 1000 people to give me £1? A 100 people to give me £10? I had no idea what event we were going to do or how we could raise all this money. More importantly I had no idea how much fun Yellow Fever was going to be for my immune system and I started to get nervous over how much power my travel nurse had over my life, and my new role as ‘pin cushion’.

But I just look at where I am today, slightly exhausted but I’ve flown – post £1,000 -  with help from family, friends and Ogilvy. Everyone I’ve ever met now knows I’m going to Uganda and will be building a school. In fact all their friends and family know that I’m going to Uganda as well. There’s a small part of me expecting a small fanfare and screaming crowds of fans at Terminal 5 tomorrow before I jump on the plane, but I digress…

The Masquerade Ball was an incredible success with so many people attending – even my family rocked up! People are still talking about how legendary the party was. We raised so much from the ball and it was great to see so many different people from so many different Ogilvy agencies there. We’ve got some cool people working here. Heroic event complete, I’ve dragged my body through a shot of Yellow Fever and am on a strict diet of Malaria tablets and presumably rice and beans for the next week. My rucksack is packed and I’ve brought my super aerobie, Jaws – the book, the best damn boots Millets can offer and spare clothes that will go to a good home; I’m ready to build, learn and build some more – so life-changing week now lined up.

I’m now sitting at my desk, the incessant beep of Lotus Notes emails popping into my inbox merely background noise. In fact, I’m sure this is the same for most people, but there’s a slight difference at my desk. Next to my mouse, I’ve got a piece of paper. This piece of paper gets me to Uganda. I’ve been waiting to see this piece of paper for two months and can’t wait to put it to good use.

‘All eyes’ were on the Hoxton Pony for a Masquerade Ball complete with burlesque dancers and live band.

On the 17th of February, the March Many Ogilvy Hands Team organised a Masquerade Ball at The Hoxton Pony. The night was an incredible success with a near sold out venue and masks of every shape and size. We had DJs, a live band, one of the largest raffles known to man, free cocktails and even our very own burlesque show! The event brought together all of the UK Ogilvy offices and their friends and families and everyone agreed the night was great fun! With all your help we managed to raise an incredible £3,955!

We would like to thank the volunteer DJs – Michael Alexander and Robin Pattinson, the burlesque dancers, all of The Green Onions band members and not forgetting the awesome Hoxton Pony – you all helped us make the Masquerade Ball such a night to remember!

Best costume has to go to John Thompson and his +1 – see main photo. Great effort!

Over the forthcoming months the good people over at Coley Porter Bell are planning a number of fundraising dinner parties where paying guests will attend dinner at a colleague’s house.

The latest expedition heads out to Buikwe to help work on the school. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates.

If you’d like to get in touch, say hello here.

Whether you’d like to go to Uganda or want to help out with fundraising over here, we’d love to hear from you.

Fundraising party with DJs, cocktails, laughter, mystery and the raffle to end all raffles… at the Hoxton Pony.

Your contributions help us make a real difference. Please donate here.

Many Ogilvy Hands is a chance for anyone and everyone in Ogilvy to help make a real difference to a small community in Uganda.