At the start of 2020, a challenge to climb the highest peak in Africa to raise funds for the new Warrington Youth Zone was created by former Chair of Warrington Youth Club, and High Sheriff of Cheshire; Nick Hopkinson MBE, DL, who would lead the group on what would be his 9th expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro. Having assembled a troop of climbers eager to take on the challenge, plans were then delayed by Covid-19, but with an intention to carry on as soon as possible. Tragically, Nick passed away in September 2021, leaving a huge void in the lives of so many people. The group were determined to fulfil the challenge plans, raising funds for the Youth Zone and honouring Nick's legacy for young people in Warrington, and knowing that Nick will be looking down on them every step of the way.

In February 2022, Warrington Youth Zone staff wanted to bring more awareness to not only this amazing challenge but all the wonderful work that Youth Zones do across the North-West of England. This is where the idea for Kilimanjaro v North-West England was born, and WYZ staff members will now be hiking across the region, covering 150 miles whilst visiting 8 Youth Zones, between 14th and 20th March.

The Kilimanjaro ladies could potentially face inclement weather, altitude sickness, rock fall and accidents, whilst the North-West team potentially face the British weather, main roads, city centres and pigeons! _________________________________________________________________________________________

All young people have skills and talents, but not every young person has the opportunity.

Warrington Youth Zone is an innovative, state-of-the-art, youth facility located right in the town centre which will be open every day of the year for young people from all backgrounds, aged 7 to 19 (up to 25 with additional needs).

Offering a minimum of 20 different activities on every session, Warrington Youth Zone will offer young people somewhere safe and inspiring to go, something positive and enriching to do, and crucially someone trusted they can talk to.

Transforming youth provision in the town for over 7,000 young people, facilities include a full-size sports hall, climbing wall, skate park, performing arts studio, health and fitness suite, film and multi-media room, sound recording studio, and a football pitch on the roof!

Added to this are a wide range of targeted programmes for our more vulnerable members helping them to boost their resilience, gain coping skills, and access support when it is most needed.

Your support will ensure that the doors of the Youth Zone can open, day after day, and enable young people to develop their emotional and physical wellbeing, make new friends, and ultimately unlock their potential.