Taking on Mount Toubkal for TEMWA: A Challenge with Purpose

On the back of COVID, Anthony Hanley started a men's walking group called Mountain Men. Our goal was simple: to bring together men of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels from the South West, South Wales, and beyond. We wanted to improve mental health, increase physical activity, enjoy breathtaking walks and views, and—most importantly—carve out precious time for ourselves.

What we discovered along the way is that trekking up mountains isn't just about the challenge; it's about camaraderie, shared laughter, and an unspoken space where men naturally start to open up. Over the past three years, our group has grown to 100+ members, and we've been talking for a while about taking on an international trek. Now, we're doing it—Mount Toubkal in Morocco, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,200m.

This is no easy feat—60% oxygen levels at the summit, searing heat in the valleys, icy winds and snow as we climb higher—but 16 of us are taking on this epic challenge, spending a week in North Africa, staying in local villages, and pushing ourselves to the limit.

Why we Raising Money for TEMWA

We love taking on challenges to raise money for charity, and I’m proud to be supporting TEMWA. One of our Mountain Men, Rob, introduced us to this incredible charity, and the more I’ve learned, the more I’ve been inspired by their work.

TEMWA helps communities in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, to overcome extreme poverty through sustainable projects that empower local people. Their work includes:

✅ Building schools and community centres

✅ Installing wells to provide clean water

✅ Planting forests and promoting sustainable farming

✅ Creating bee centres to provide jobs and support families

✅ Helping families earn a living so children can go to school—keeping them out of child labour and modern slavery

What makes TEMWA special is that they don’t tell communities what they need—they listen to them and help them build solutions that last for generations.

Our Personal Reasons for This Challenge

🔹 As a group we all need/want to get fitter. We need to push ourselves physically and mentally, and this climb is the perfect motivation.

🔹 We want to raise as much money as possible for TEMWA. Knowing how this charity transforms lives, We want to do our part in making a lasting impact. Every penny raised goes directly to TEMWA—all walkers are covering their own costs (flights, guides, accommodation), so your donations go straight to those who need it most.

🔹 Rob’s Story. One of our Mountain Men, Rob, is battling cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, he has thrown himself into this challenge with an unstoppable determination. I remember his first walk with us—he was hesitant and unsure. But over time, he has conquered walk after walk, and now, against all odds, he is taking on Mount Toubkal. His sheer willpower and resilience are nothing short of inspiring, and I want to do everything I can to support him in completing this journey.

🔹 There are many people in the group and we all have personal reasons and some challenges but as a group of guys we will drag each other through as we always do and make sure we work as a group. This is the powerful sense of belonging that we all feel on all of our walks.

This Will Be Brutal – But we will Give It Everything

Let’s make a real impact together. Please donate if you can.

🙏 Thank you for your support!