TOM
Is Will’s older brother, and forms an integral part of the close-knit Mainprize family. Alongside their sisters Sarah and Emily, as well as their parents Lindi and Andy, the bond between them is incredibly strong.
Will always looked up to Tom and his group of friends throughout his childhood, but as Will matured and found his way in life the tables quickly turned.
“I’ve never met anyone like my brother. After leaving School Will started experiencing the world rapidly, through traveling to remote parts of the world, work experience with disadvantaged kids, embarking on epic expeditions and study. Everything positive he learned he applied to his life, and in turn transformed him into a person that everyone who knew him looked up to. I don’t think there are many people in this world that would have had as many perfect days as Wilbur did”.
Will had some big plans for the world, taking his love of Adventure and the outdoors and fun and using that to help marginalized youth.
He’s not here to finish that dream, but Lachie and Tom aim to finish what he had already started.
“AFTER THE SEARCH FOR WILL AND OTHER SURVIVORS CONCLUDED, THERE WAS A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF NOTHING. JUST A NUMB FEELING THAT YOUR LIFE WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AND EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE A BIT HARDER MOVING FORWARD. THAT’S WHEN LACHIE CALLED UP WITH THE IDEA OF DOING SOMETHING TO HONOR WILL’S LEGACY, WHICH IS VERY MUCH WHAT WILL WOULD HAVE DONE.”
There were a couple of options discussed when we eventually landed on Mongolia. This was one of Wills first major adventures, where he set out on foot from China to make his way to the valleys of the Altai mountains where the last eagles hunters lived. We aim to retrace his steps, and in doing so inspire people to embrace adventure, the outdoors and fun like Will did. But also raise funds for a charity that is aligned to Wills values. “What we’re doing is a bit mad, but I think he would appreciate two office warriors giving it a crack, because he would know how a journey like this would change us both for the better. I think he’d also be in hysterics if he knew what we were getting ourselves into!”
Lachlan Gow
Growing up a few streets away from the Mainprize household Lachie has been a friend of the family for the majority of his life. Tom and Lachie have been thick as thieves since the day they met, whatever tricks they were up too Will was not far behind.
“The Mainprize family have always been a part of my life, they’re such an amazing example of a family unit.”
From a young age, Lachie has been fueled by a sense of adventure, always seeking new and exciting experiences. Whether it’s surfing, chasing caiman in the Amazon, or tackling any activity that comes his way, Lachie won’t say no to an adventure!
“I KNEW WHEN THE SEARCH FOR WILBUR WAS COMING TO AN END THAT THIS WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY!”
Inspired by Wilbur’s legacy of adventure, fun, and a deep connection with the great outdoors, Lachie approached Tom with an idea. Together, they brainstormed ways to honor Wilbur and continue his spirit of exploration. In the 30+ years Tom and Lachie have been mates neither can recall riding a bike together! Why not start with a 1000+km in the challenging remote terrain of Mongolia! As Lachie and Tom embark on this epic adventure, they hope to inspire others to embrace their own thirst for exploration and to honor Wilbur’s enduring legacy!
“I’M EXCITED AND PRIVILEGED TO BE A PART OF THIS PROJECT, A JOURNEY THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY SHAPE OUR LIVES FOREVER!” ONE TIME BA!