In April 2023, at only 18 years old, Molly Turnbull, graduate of The Polar Academy, and I will be embarking on one of the most famous and most challenging treks in the world - to Everest Base Camp. At a staggering 5,550m/18,210ft, Base Camp is the launch-pad for summit attempts of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. We’ll be flying to Lukla (worryingly known as The Worlds Most Dangerous Airport!) and then trekking for 14 days through the Nepalese Himalaya with a group of fellow intrepid adventurers, across some of the world’s highest airy suspension bridges and fully immersing ourselves in the local culture by staying each night in lodges run by local Sherpa families. In addition to the gruelling daily hikes and necessary physical endurance, we’ll have to acclimatise throughout to the extreme altitude and lower levels of oxygen. No mean feat! 

Why are we doing this? Quite simply, to celebrate and raise much needed funds for The Polar Academy.

The Polar Academy works with “invisible”children, specifically those who are the victims of bullying, abuse or those crushed by a lack of self esteem and confidence. The charity offers a selected number of young adults aged between 14-17, a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a major Arctic Expedition and in doing so, helps build those young adults into leaders and role models who can then truly inspire thousands of other young people so that they too can reach their potential.

The charity is the brain-child of my good friend, Craig Mathieson, Explorer In Residence at The Royal Scottish Geographical Society and committee member of The Explorer's Club Great Britain & Ireland. I’m proud to support the work of this incredible cause and it is an absolute honour and privilege to be embarking on this challenge with Molly who is living proof of the work of the charity. 

In Molly’s own words:

“I look back and barely recognise the vulnerable, scared school pupil I used to be. The training made me physically and mentally stronger, the expedition taught me to never give up and always keep going, and the team that was formed throughout the journey showed me the importance of being there for other people. Through each challenge I had to face and overcome during my experience with The Polar Academy, I came out the other side believing in myself more and more. By believing in myself, I was able to grow in confidence and do things I never ever thought I’d do. Without The Polar Academy I would still be the same petrified third year pupil too scared to stand out from the crowd.”

For me, those words alone justify this endeavour. 

Thankyou for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page and thankyou for reading our story. Please give generously to this outstanding cause and help Molly and I raise much needed funds to ensure that more “invisible”children can be helped overcome their issues and lead from the front.

With our sincerest thanks,

Kae & Molly x

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