A Family of Sponsorship: Dave’s Story

In 2018, when Dave signed up for his first Hands Across the Water charity ride in Thailand, he never imagined how deeply connected he would become to the children supported by Hands — nor that he’d end up with a whole family of sponsor kids.

It all began with Mei, a quiet and gentle girl Dave rode for on that first life-changing ride. His roommate at the time, Steve Ford, was riding for Mei’s sister. The connection they felt was immediate and powerful — so much so that together they decided to sponsor both sisters. Not long after, they discovered Mei had two more sisters, and without hesitation, Ando and Fordy extended their support to cover all four.

“I didn’t set out to sponsor multiple children,” Dave reflects. “But when I saw the difference that a little love, encouragement and financial support could make — not just for one child, but for an entire family — it was an easy yes.”

Sharing the Journey with Family

Dave’s own family have been part of the journey too. His youngest daughter, Kim, joined him on a Hands Taskforce trip in 2017 and returned again in 2018 and 2019. Her bond with the children of PAMA House, especially Wa Wa, remains strong.

“I have a photo of Kim and Wa Wa from 2017,” Dave says. “Wa Wa had just arrived at PAMA House and was incredibly shy. When we rode into PAMA in 2023, post-COVID, Wa Wa ran out to greet us with confidence and joy — it was an emotional moment, seeing how far she’d come.”

His partner Nicola has also stepped into the Hands world, joining a Trek for Kids during COVID and more recently completing her first ride in Thailand in 2025. “Riding into BTN together, after all the training and challenges, and knowing the impact we were making — that’s a memory we’ll never forget.”

Growing Up and Moving Forward

Over the years, Dave’s sponsor children have grown, evolved, and moved into new chapters of their lives. Some, like Kaew from Home Hug, have finished school and are now working. Others, like Mei and her sisters, were able to safely return to live with their mother after escaping a violent home.

“While it’s always a little sad when the sponsorship ends, it’s actually the best outcome — it means they’re safe, supported, and ready to step into a new life.”

Dave’s current sponsor children — Kare-Noi, Reena, and Phu-Pa — each have unique stories, full of resilience and potential. He receives regular letters from them, filled with drawings, updates, and heartfelt thanks.

A Legacy of Kindness

For Dave, being a sponsor is about more than just money — it’s about creating lives of choice, not chance. It’s about showing up, time and again, for young people who may never have had anyone believe in them before.

His most treasured memories aren’t just of the rides, or the milestones — but of the people. The friendships formed with fellow riders. The laughter with children in the homes. The quiet pride of knowing that love, when extended, has a ripple effect far beyond what you might imagine.