I have been a donor, fund raiser, volunteer and mentor for the Youth Adventure Trust (YAT)  for approximately 3 years and can see what a difference it makes to these young people lives.

Therefore I wanted to undertake a really tough self funded challenge to raise money so another young person can join the fantastic Programme YAT have created. 

I decided to  trek to the top of Africa, my favorite continent, on the Lemosho Route for 8 days, followed by a 450 km mainly off road mountain bike ride over 6 days from Kilimanjaro , through the Usambara Mountains to Pangani on the Indian Ocean Coast.

Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa at 5,895 m or 19,341 sq ft and a real physical and mental challenge due to its altitude.  I will be trekking with 3 close friends.

Once completed, I get on a MTB at Moshi and cycle the hilly road to the coast, mainly camping. The toughest day is 82 miles.  https://www.dream-challenges.com/challenges/the-big-heart-bike-ride-kilimanjaro-to-coast-2022/

So more about the most important thing, the cause

"I believe in myself more - I've learnt I can push myself and can do more than I let on." Amy, aged 14

The Youth Adventure Trust uses a combination of one to one
support and outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. Their specially designed Programme, which spans 3 school years, is a genuinely life changing opportunity, giving 11-15 year olds the chance to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime.

The challenges the young people face are wide-ranging. They could be experiencing bullying, chaotic or unstable home lives, living in poverty, care or rural isolation, low self-esteem and mental wellbeing, or caring for a family member. Whilst they cannot change their young people’s circumstances, the Youth Adventure Trust helps them to build the resilience they need to face the challenges in their daily lives. Their programme gives them the hope, confidence and skills to best manage the issues they are facing and make the most of their future lives.

Each year they give 120 vulnerable young people the opportunity to join their main programme, and have up to 360 young people on the programme at a time. The programme is completely free to the young people, their families and their schools. Each place on their
programme costs an average of £3,900 - they receive no government funding and rely upon the support of generous individuals, businesses and trusts to deliver their service.

To find out more about their vital work, visit www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk