More funds
More educated children
More bright futures
Like all great stories, Lifting Spirits has had a few twists and turns. We’d love you to read our story to see how our approach has evolved to make us what we are today.
Where it all began
In 2011, Michelle spent two weeks in an isolation room in a hospital in the UK. James was with her, though she wasn’t well enough to talk, read and so on. What she did have was a spectacular piece of art at the end of her bed – of blue skies and rolling green hills. This silent beauty helped direct her mind to calm and positive places, undoubtedly supporting her physical recovery.
Passing it on
Feeling huge gratitude on leaving hospital, Michelle and James wanted to help give a mental boost to others facing hard times. They knew that orphanages, hospices and hospitals in Eswatini rarely have budgets to decorate their walls. This means isolated, poorly and often lonely children and adults can spend hours in bed staring at a blank wall. This isn’t good for anyone - mentally or physically - so they started brainstorming ideas.
Big smiles
In 2013, Michelle called on well-known photographers across the globe, asking them to donate their work. She and James raised funds to collect and print very large photographs of natural beauty in Eswatini. These were then distributed to orphanages, hospices and hospitals across the country. The positive response was immediate - big smiles and hugs from children, patients and medical staff!
A new chapter
Four years ago, Lifting Spirits started a new chapter - financially enabling orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini to go to school. This shift was sparked by a beautiful soul, a Swazi lady called Ntombi. Michelle and Ntombi grew up together, climbing trees and playing swords with sugar cane. Ntombi went on to become a locally respected chef and had four children.
She was bright and believed in the importance of education, especially for her wonderful children. Ntombi was the family breadwinner when she suddenly passed away from an illness, so Michelle, James and Cheryl stepped in to pay for her family's school fees.
Michelle and James had long brainstormed about how best to support education for orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini, but it was Ntombi's tragic passing that powered the charity's new purpose. In 2025, the cost of educating 58 orphaned and/or vulnerable children is being covered by Lifting Spirits: 52 secondary school students and six pre-school students.
Our team - which includes Ntombi's brother and childhood friend - would love to tell you more about this journey and how you can support these incredible youngsters in our FAQs.
