Happy New Year Everyone – and we are starting this year with some incredible news and an even more spectacular challenge.

As you know, each year I try and do something for a local charity to truly make a difference to a special person and their families.

In the past we have had some remarkable success stories for Rowans Hospice and R;pple Suicide Prevention – both of which are magnificent and inspiring causes.

This year is no different

For 2026, myself and Beals Wealth Management have partnered up with The Knights Foundation, who do some amazing work with our younger generation.

They provide life-changing equipment for children, that really need our help.

I was recently privileged to listen to the story of Eloise, which initially started this plight to help.

Eloise was unfortunately non-verbal with complex medical needs. Not being able to communicate with her doctors, her friends and her family was heartbreaking to hear. She wasn’t able to tell them what and wear the pain was, when she just wanted to sit and listen to her friends, or even ask for a hug or tell her parents she loved them.

She was in urgent need of an Eye-Gaze to help her communicate and give her a voice back.

With the help of The Knights Foundation, they were able to fund raise and purchase this piece of equipment that will change her life, and the entire families lives forever.

This type of equipment isn’t available under the NHS, so these heroes stepped in.

We now have 2 more people in desperate need of some support and specialist equipment.

Firstly, a lovely young girl, Isabelle, from one of the schools they support. Isabelle requires a specialist terrain buggy due to her additional needs.

Her needs have had a huge impact on the whole family and this buggy would make such a difference. It would allow them to get out together, enjoy days out, and give Isabelle access to places that currently just aren’t possible.

These buggies are expensive and the exact costs depend on how it needs to be designed specifically for her requirements.

We’re also looking to support a young boy called Nino, who has a very rare neurological chromosome condition that presents significant challenges in every aspect of daily life. He has two siblings, who are effectively young carers and always put their little brother first. As Nino gets older, things are becoming increasingly difficult for the family.

There are a number of items that would really improve his day-to-day life but are sadly not financially possible at the moment. In particular, a Tomato Buggy (a specialist supportive buggy designed to provide postural support and comfort for children with complex needs) and a Safe Space travel cot, which provides a secure and safe sleeping environment for children who may be at risk during the night or when away from home.

I know times are hard and the cost of living is making things tighter for us all, but please, dig deep and support me wherever you can, to raise the funds required to really change these amazing kids lives – not just now, but for their future.

The Knights are also looking for people to join them, become patrons and share this incredible journey with them.

There may even be a chance to get on this trip if you fancy it……. Don’t think, just do!!

Together we can make this world a better place

In March 2026, six daring colleagues from Beals will be taking on Mount Toubkal in Morocco to raise funds for The Knights Foundation. Over six days, we’ll trek through the stunning Atlas Mountains, tackle long climbs, high altitudes, and the occasional wobbly knees, all leading to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 metres. It’s going to be challenging, breathtaking, and unforgettable — and we’re doing it all for an amazing cause!

We’re proud to have taken on one of the Knights Champions challenges, a special fundraising initiative for 2026’s 10-year anniversary of the charity. Each Knights Champion commits to raising a minimum of £5,000, and our team is determined to smash that target while celebrating a decade of life-changing support from The Knights Foundation.

The Knights Foundation has been transforming lives for over ten years, supporting children and families living with disabilities, life-limiting illnesses, and other challenging circumstances. One of their flagship projects is the fully accessible holiday lodge in the New Forest, providing families with a much-needed break in a home equipped with hoists, wet rooms, and accessible facilities throughout. Beyond the lodge, the charity supports families through respite activities, equipment grants, family days out, local partnerships, and wellbeing projects that create positive memories and ease daily pressures.

Beals has proudly supported The Knights Foundation for years, contributing to their initiatives and helping families in practical ways. This challenge is our biggest team effort yet, and we’re thrilled to combine our love of adventure with fundraising for such a worthwhile cause.

Every step we take up Mount Toubkal is for a family who could benefit from a life-changing experience, and every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Join us on this journey, cheer us on from afar, and help us celebrate ten incredible years of The Knights Foundation!