***Update: rains came early! Good for farmers, bad for climbers. We took the difficult decision to postpone due to treacherous conditions on the mountain, but still planning to summit in June***

I am climbing Mount Kenya, the highest peak in Kenya and second highest in Africa at around 5000m (16400 ft). Having never climbed a mountain like this before, I'm on a steep learning and training curve (pun intended).

I'm excited to raise money for Raising Futures Kenya, a charity I became a trustee for in 2024. The charity works alongside 14-25 year olds in Kenya who are out of education and unemployed. Through the Seed of Hope training programme young people get the training, skills, qualifications and confidence they need to find a job or start their own small business, becoming financially independent. Seed of Hope provides food, childcare and mental health support to help young people process past traumas and build resilience.

I've been lucky enough to visit the Seed of Hope centre in Nairobi on a few occasions, and every time I feel inspired. These are young people who have faced the toughest circumstances, are often marginalised and overlooked, but this programme gives them a real chance to build a future. This is not just about teaching technical skills—it’s about removing barriers. The approach builds students' confidence, dignity and life skills, and the holistic and innovative approach is what makes the difference. I believe passionately that community-based organisations know what their communities need and how best to deliver it – and that’s what maximises impact for every pound.

Raising Futures Kenya believe every young person deserves an opportunity to build a secure, rewarding future for themselves - free from poverty.