In 2024, I will be turning 50 and wanted to mark this occasion by undertaking a challenge while raising some funds for charity along the way.

The first hurdle was what to do and for whom, difficult enough without what was to follow, when up stepped Team Co-op.

The Co-op recently announced their latest charity partnership with Barnardo’s (https://www.co-operative.coop/media/news-releases/co-op-to-tackle-biggest-challenges-for-young-people-as-it-partners-with) and with it a set of fundraising challenges for 2024. Problem solved.

According to Co-op's 2021 post-pandemic report looking at the attitudes, life chances and aspirations of young people, Covid-19 has left over a third of young people feeling permanently disadvantaged, leaving a ‘ghosted generation’ of young people in acute need who feel the odds are now stacked against them.

Together the Co-op and Barnardo’s partnership want to reach those young people who need support the most. The Co-op aim to raise £5million for Barnardo’s to help achieve this goal.

As for the challenge, the ascent of Mount Toubkal. Standing at 4167m it is located in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and is North Africa’s highest peak. On arrival in Morocco we will make our way from Marrakesh to Imlil from where we will start the ascent. The journey to the summit is spread over two days, the terrain is steep and we will be trekking for up to 8 hours a day, starting early in the morning. Returning to Imlil on day 3.

I am aiming to raise £1 for each meter of ascent and any help you can give would be gratefully received.

Thanks for your help in helping me support this great cause.

About Barnardo’s

We support vulnerable children in the UK to transform their lives

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest national children’s charity. In 2019-20, we supported work with 358,800 children, young people, parents and carers, across more than 800 services and partnerships throughout the UK.

www.barnardos.org.uk

supporterrelations@barnardos.org.uk

Barnardo's Registered charity number 216250, Scotland SC037605

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