A team of business leaders from across Wales are set to take on Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world, as part of a powerful challenge organised by Action Challenge to support the UK’s leading youth charity, The King’s Trust.
Led by Richard Selby MBE DL, Chair of The King’s Trust Wales Development Committee, the climb will bring together a team of inspiring individuals, including Alwen Williams, fellow committee member, and Sarah Jones, Director of The King’s Trust in Wales. Together, they are gearing up for the expedition, which will take place from 22nd February to 4th March 2026, and aim to raise £150,000-£200,000 to support The King’s Trust work across Wales.
The team’s goal is to reach the summit on St David’s Day and are calling on others to join them in taking on this life-changing challenge, with up to ten additional places available for those who want to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Richard Selby, Chair of The King’s Trust Wales Development Committee said: “We wanted to mark this milestone anniversary with something bold and meaningful. This challenge reflects the spirit of The King’s Trust and the determination of the young people that we support. By coming together to take on this trek, we’re raising vital funds that will help even more young people across Wales build more secure futures.”
The climb forms part of the lead up to The King’s Trust 50th anniversary in 2026, with a wider fundraising target of raising £1 million in Wales by 2028. The challenge reflects the Trust’s mission to break down barriers, open doors and support young people who need it most.
Among the stories that inspired the team is Adey’s. Adey arrived in the UK alone at 16 after fleeing her home in Eritrea. Introduced to The King’s Trust through her social worker, Adey took part in The King’s Trust Explore programme and began rebuilding her life in Cardiff. She has since overcome significant challenges, including gorge walking and outdoor pursuits of her Trust journey, and is now thriving at school studying six subjects and planning to go to university.
Sarah Jones, Director, The King’s Trust Wales said: “2026 marks the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, and it’s a moment to both reflect on the progress we’ve made and recognise how much further we must go. In Wales, we’ve already helped thousands of young people like Adey overcome significant challenges and build brighter futures, but the need for our work is greater than ever.
“Taking part in this challenge is a personal way for me and others taking part, to reflect on that journey and give back. We ask a lot of our young people to step outside their comfort zones, and this is our way of doing the same.”
Action Challenge are still welcoming new participants and supporters. Whether by joining the team, donating, or simply cheering them on, every contribution helps make a difference.
To support the team, contact fundraising@kingstrust.org.uk or visit the team’s JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/kt-kilimanjaro
Image left to right of the training walk: Alwen Williams (CEO Ambition North Wales), Sarah Jones (Director The King’s Trust Wales), Sian Knott (Team GB Head Physio for Paris 2024 Olympics and Lecturer at Cardiff University), Katherine Homfray (Owner of Penllyn Estates), and Richard Selby, (Director Pro Steel Engineering and Chair of The King’s Trust Wales Development Committee).
About The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust)
The King’s Trust believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter what their background or the challenges they are facing. We help those from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.
The courses offered by The Trust help young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities. We support them to find work because having a job or running a business can lead to a more stable, fulfilling life.
Since The Trust was founded by HM The King in 1976, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, we have helped more than a million young people across the UK. Three in four of those we supported over the last five years have moved into work, education or training.
We are pleased to have changed our name to The King’s Trust, reflecting our Royal Founding President’s continued dedication to our work. We remain committed to working for young people and enabling them to create a better future for themselves. By helping them today, the benefits will be felt for years to come – not just for those we support, but for their communities and the wider economy.