Today we offer to your attention an interview with the traveler, businesswoman, athlete and just an interesting and beautiful woman Kate Mallinson. Kate lives in London; however, she knows firsthand about the life in Central Asia. In the course of several years our guest lived in Uzbekistan and visited the cities of the Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. Recently, she has visited Kazakhstan more often. Kate participated in charitable swimming competitions down the river Darth. She transferred all collected funds, and it is 4,210 pounds sterling, to our foundation. And we, in turn, will direct this amount to the professional development of Kazakhstan doctors in Kyzylorda. Kate has told about her life and plans to our correspondent.

Hello Kate! Thank you that have agreed to meet us and to have a talk. Tell us about yourself.

- For the first time I visited Georgia in 1987. It was a family trip. After this visit I thought that perhaps, I could make contact with interesting representatives of the countries of the former Soviet Union. Having graduated from the University of Edinburgh, I studied the sphere of journalism and worked in Moscow. Then I lived in Irkutsk. Working on television, I was lucky to visit Uzbekistan. I lived in Uzbekistan for 2 years. There I researched gender and socio-economic issues in the Fergana Valley. In Uzbekistan I met the “MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES” organization in which I had already worked as a volunteer earlier. They offered to work together with them in the field of activity on protection of public concerns. Besides, I worked with the program of the Aral Sea, researching negative consequences of drying of the sea and their influence on the health of the region near the city of Nukus, and also wrote a report on health care reform in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

- What was the program like?

- It was the program on tuberculosis in Uzbekistan. It was quite difficult because in the time of the Soviet Union there were highly skilled doctors who were in touch with the methods of this illness treatment. But in the West there was a new type of medical treatment different from the Soviet. It was very difficult at that time, yet it was interesting. I lived in Uzbekistan for a couple of years, and then returned to England. I had three children, and I began to work as a consultant for forecasting key risks in the companies which wanted to work with this region in Asia. We helped the companies, offered them the necessary direction.

- You are engaged in social activity very much. How do you find time for the family?

- I was lucky to have a perfect husband. He is a screenwriter, so he works at home, and the children study at school. Besides, I work 4 days a week. I have 3 girls, and I want to be an example for my children.

- What do your children think of your activity?

- I like the fact that they know about the amazing countries in Central Asia and in the Caucasus. They are familiar with the capitals of big states. I usually come home with gifts. My daughters know that I experienced many pleasant moments during my visits to these countries.

-What countries have you visited most frequently?

- Since most investments are involved in Kazakhstan, most of our customers work here. Therefore, I often come here to work.

- And what Kazakhstan cities do you visit?

- Almaty and Astana. I would also visit other cities with pleasure, but just I cannot afford to be far away from the house for a long time, so I come here for a week and fly back home. Also, I visited several cities in the Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, but I know that these cities do not reflect a complete picture of these countries’ conditions as a whole.

- Please, tell about the swimming competition on the river Dart. How you did come to the decision to give the money earned by participation in this race to AYALA charity foundation?

- The decision to take part in such competitions and to help children came to me when I was just swimming. You know, while swimming, you constantly think and think about everything. And I wanted to make something for charity foundation. It is important both for me and for the development of charity in Central Asia. We also have charity foundations in England. I made a decision to support Kazakhstan’s charity because throughout these years I have taken a lot from the fascinating Central Asian region, I have developed fine friendly relations with people, and I have had a lot of adventures. I wanted to support the charity in Kazakhstan, as I know that the reduction in oil prices had a negative impact on the country and on other commodity dependent countries. Thus, last year in September, I took part in the competition down the river Dart. I swam a 10 - kilometer distance and spent three hours on it. Some more hundreds of people joined me.

- Who provided funding for the swim?

- I sent emails to all my friends and the companies operating in Kazakhstan. All my friends, some of our customers and even journalists from Kazakhstan, working with the BBC channel, and many other people have sponsored me. Besides, I was financially supported by my family and my British friends, who contributed a large amount of money. My company GPW also generously funded. The total sum constituted 4,210 pounds.

- Did you have any difficulties in the swimming competition?

- No. Every weekend we gather and go swimming outdoors. In London, there is an excellent park Hampstead Heath. I advise you to visit it. The park has got natural ponds. Thus, we meet at 7 a.m. and swim. The air temperature is usually equal to 1-8 degrees in the winter. 

-Isn’t the temperature too cold for swimming?

- It’s very cold. When temperature reaches one degree, we stay in water for a minute. It's enough. You can go there and swim for a while before devoting your weekend to household chores. By the way, the weather is quite cold, but after such a procedure you feel a healthy man full of energy. This is a good start for the days off. This year I am going to participate in a swimming marathon in Bosphorus in Turkey. The length of Bosphorus makes up 4 miles and the current is very strong. Last year I trained more often during my holidays or leave. I practice swimming near islands of the North Sea very often.

-Are you planning to continue charity work?

- Yes. But so far I don't even know how I can address with such a request to the same people. They are very generous. Perhaps, later. I do not know just yet, but I would like to be engaged in it.

- And what about swimming competitions?

- This year I’m planning to participate in the race in Bosphorus, and also I’d like to take part in the other competition in Devon.

- And do you go in for other sports besides swimming?

- I am the person who does not see limitations of the human capacity. I take it positively. Sometimes I go for a 5- mile walk with my children, while most of people go on foot only a mile. My children do not like it, though. And I like to be outside.

- Thanks for such an interesting interview! Our foundation will direct all means received from you to training doctors in Kyzylorda. For this purpose we have invited experts from Lithuania who will train our doctors and nurses. It was very pleasant to meet you. We wish you good luck and we hope for new meetings!