Colonel Mike Reynolds, Just a Drop Project Officer and Trustee

Testament to Colonel Mike Reynolds

All of us at Just a Drop are saddened at the passing of Colonel Mike Reynolds.

Mike played a huge role at Just a Drop – utilising skills developed through service in the Royal Engineers – as one of our first volunteer Project Officers responsible initially for Kenya and ultimately, Uganda.

In Uganda, Mike was responsible for projects reaching over 100,000 people, providing them with access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, projects which continue to provide benefit to this day. He dedicated at least a month each year to visit Uganda, a clear demonstration of his commitment and dedication to his role, improving the lives of others.

Mike developed an interest in water whilst he was serving with the Brigade of Ghurkhas in Nepal during 1980-82. There, he was planning village water supply schemes in Himalayan villages for retired Ghurkha soldiers, inspiring him to continue to give the gift of water, across the world.

Mike also spent many years as a devoted Just a Drop trustee, providing invaluable support and guidance as we developed and grew. He worked on our projects across Mongolia, Chile, Bolivia, Niger and Kenya and in 2017, Mike was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award, recognising outstanding individual volunteers. This is exactly what Mike was, an outstanding person, a kind and generous man, who selflessly gave so much to Just a Drop.

“Mike was a leading light in Just a Drop. Through his love for and dedication to Just a Drop, he provided knowledge, guidance and support to his many colleagues within the organisation and to the communities he supported across the world. Without exception everyone remembers him with great fondness and appreciation and we feel a sincere loss at his passing. He was a sincere, capable project officer who genuinely cared, and made a huge difference to others.”

Fiona Jeffery OBE, Just a Drop Founder and Chair

“Mike led an Operation Raleigh expedition in Chile and won the hearts of the young venturers and staff with his calm, decisive leadership. Indeed, it was a joy to have him with us on the various expeditions. His friendly, uncomplaining manner made him one of the most compatible people in the teams. He always volunteered for the least attractive jobs and was forever trying to help his colleagues. He was a great asset for the Scientific Exploration Society and Just a Drop.”

Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE, Just a Drop Honorary President