David Mallam was Secretary of the Ulysses Trust until 2007, and continued to support our fund-raising until 2009. He died, aged 75, on 6th June.
It was mid-1992 that David appeared in Project DARC STAR’s (the TA winter attempt on Mt Everest) expedition office – a converted freight container. David was a big man, and coupled to his enthusiasm, optimism and energy, seemed to fill the whole container. The expedition was still well short of the funds required, and having recently retired from a fund-raising project with Leonard Cheshire Homes, he offered his services. The Ulysses Trust had recently been established, so he also immediately took on the role of Honorary Secretary.
Although the expedition funding gap was shortly after resolved by one particularly generous donation, David took on the whole of that side of the project, briefing Patrons and press etc, leaving the Expedition Leader at last free to focus solely on the Expedition. As the team left for Nepal in November 1992, David took on the role of ‘OC Rear Party,’ and the entire team soon developed a great affection for this hugely caring man who kept relatives and others constantly updated and reassured over very natural concerns. Nothing was too much trouble.
On the expedition’s return, the remaining funds in the Trust clearly needed reinforcing if it was to continue its mission for the long term. He threw himself into this. An enormous amount of work was also required to promote the support that the Trust could provide to Reserves and Cadets, and setting up a rigorous Applications process. Moreover, the concept of overseas expeditions being undertaken by Reserve Forces and Cadets was viewed with much doubt by many in the Chain of Command in those days. David, had by now secured an appointment as a Retired Officer in a Grade 1 Staff appointment. From this position, he vigorously beat his way through countless obstacles, converting the doubters. He never let up until he handed over in 2007.
Without David Mallam’s labours, enthusiasm, networking, charm, elbow squeezing, arm twisting and administrative skill, especially in its early years, it is doubtful that the Trust would still be around today. Throughout, he was much supported by his incredibly patient wife Carolyn who survives him. His contribution was unstinting, unselfish and immense. A big man in every way.