Meet the team

This year's Wake Up Trip team is a diverse group representing a variety of careers, continents and cultures from across the Virgin Group. Meet the team below and find out what we are most looking forward to about the trip.

At the moment, we're all busy raising funds to support the school we'll be helping to build in South Africa. Visit our donation page if you'd like to help. Every little bit is appreciated!

Dan Barnfield, Customer Service Manager
Virgin Active UK

“What I am looking forward to the most about the trip is, of course, seeing different cultures and how they adapt to their difficult and challenging lifestyles. But also try and positively affect their lifestyle by improving conditions in their village/reserve!


Edith Ediae, Engineering Administrator
Virgin Nigeria

“I look forward to affecting and changing lives in this trip, from our project plan it is obvious that we will positively impact greatness and change the world of Ulusaba Children.”






Helen Payne Watt, Director of Content
Virgin Money USA

“I am still stunned that I’ll be going on this trip! I’m eager for my first ever dose of the sights and sounds (and warmth!) of South Africa. I’m curious to see what a private game reserve looks like. But I think most of all I’m looking forward to meeting the children in the surrounding villages, hearing the stories of the work Pride n’ Purpose has done there to make a difference, and finding one small way I can chip in.”

Toby Haskins, Maintenance Control Engineer
Virgin Atlantic UK









“I am chuffed to be selected for this trip and really looking forward to meeting some of the local people, especially the children and just maybe our time and effort will make a difference to the local community, hopefully a big difference!”


Luthando Dladla, Front of House Manager
Virgin Active South Africa

“I’m looking forward to spending time with all the other Virgin Unite members and am hoping we will meet some of the kiddies in Mpumalanga.”


Jeremy Elder, Brand Marketing Copywriter
Virgin Mobile Canada





“I’ve been overwhelmingly inspired by the work of Virgin Unite. I’m most excited to get my hands dirty and contribute in a tangible, immediate way and do my own small part to help make the world a little bit better. That, and I’m hoping I get to see a giraffe at some point.”

Mark Graham, Provisioning Engineer, Networks Faults & Provisioning
Virgin Media UK

“I am most looking forward to helping install the eco systems that will be used on the crèche. I think it will encourage people to try to use more eco-friendly alternatives back home.”



Dayna Nelson, Inflight Teammate
Virgin America












"I'm ready for an eye opening education in both the difficulties and joys that the kids and their families in Ulusaba are experiencing; the anticipation of the 17,000 km journey to serve alongside other Virgin folk makes me smile!"


Heather Pople, Research department
Virgin Media Television UK

“I’m most looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and making a practical contribution towards the development of the crèche and of course meeting the children of Newington who will use it.”


Leonie Vandeven, Virgin Blue, Australia

"I am honoured to have been chosen to join this trip to help with this amazing project and I look forward to meeting everyone on the team and in the village and experiencing the African culture and country. I hope I can take the skills I will learn from this adventure and use them to assist remote communities in Australia and throughout the Pacific."




Christie Constantine, Virgin Unite UK

"I'm looking forward to building a school the community can be proud of where the local children can begin a life-long love of learning."

Joni Watson, Virgin Unite UK

"I remember on last year's trip sitting in the field where the school will be built discussing how badly the community needed a new building on the site. It's amazing that one year later we are making it happen."