On 20th May I'm joining a brave team of 12 hikers to take on the gruelling Mourne Wall Challenge. The trek covers 15 peaks and 22 miles of mountainous terrain. Why?  Well, I’m pulling my boots on to raise money for a cause close to my heart. That cause is REACH.

Reach is an organisation that partners with local schools to mentor some of the most vulnerable young people. Their vision is to walk alongside each young person, supporting them and helping to unleash their potential. Having taught in a school where Reach provided mentoring I have seen first hand the positive impact that this organisation has on the young people they are working with. I’ve watched how young people have grown and benefited from their mentoring sessions, how they look forward to and cherish those times with their mentor. I’ve listened to them tell me about how much they needed those times out to chat and have fun away from the stresses and strains of school life.

Reach is a cause worth investing in. It’s a cause worth supporting and walking alongside. It’s a cause that is pushing and challenging me to step up those mountains and along that wall until I reach the end, because these young people deserve someone to show them that they are valued, loved and known. Some of our young people are facing circumstances that no young person should ever be facing … and they face them every single day. School can be hard enough never mind dealing with some of the stresses that some of these young people are dealing with.

I am absolutely terrified about this challenge. The very thought of it makes me want to boke! Your support would mean the world to me and would encourage me to keep putting one foot in front of the other despite the pain and agony. I am being realistic … I know this challenge will require me to push beyond myself. The beauty is though … it’s not about me. It’s about our young people. When I’m at the end of myself, that’s when I remember those pupils who sat in front of me, and the importance of Reach in their lives. Will you walk with our young people and give a small donation? Even a small amount will make a big difference. 

Follow my journey on Instagram and through my blog www.mylittleduke.com!

Thank you,

Steph