Epic adventures are most rewarding when raising money for a cause

Since leaving St Helen’s in 2021, adventure has become a huge part of my life. Looking back at the different journeys I’ve taken over the past few years, one thing has become clear: the experiences that stay with me the most are the ones that had a real purpose behind them. 

The spark for all of this began while I was still at school, when adventurer Charlie Walker came to give a talk about cycling around the world for four years. Hearing about his journey opened my eyes to what was possible and inspired me to set off on my own adventure not long after leaving. That inspiration led to my first major trip: bikepacking across Sri Lanka. Carrying everything I needed on my bike, I cycled across half the country while living off and out of it. It was a challenging but unforgettable experience and showed me how rewarding simple, self-powered travel can be. 

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible adventures. I travelled across Europe living out of my van, visiting ten countries and driving more than 13,500 kilometres. I drove an old Mitsubishi Shogun from Guildford all the way to Morocco and back, crossing mountains, deserts and thousands of miles of open road. While solo travelling in Peru, I even summited a 6,000-metre peak in the Andes. But when I look back, the adventure I reminisce about the most is one that had a deeper purpose.  

In 2022, I led a team of five across the Himalayas in India as part of the Rickshaw Run. Over 20 days we raced more than 2,500 kilometres in tiny three-wheeled tuk-tuks through mountain passes, chaotic cities and some of the most unpredictable roads imaginable. Against the odds, we went on to win the event — but what mattered most was that we raised over £20,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer. 

That experience showed me that adventure becomes far more meaningful when it helps others. Having a cause behind the challenge gives every difficult moment a reason. With that in mind, my next mission follows the same philosophy of travelling with purpose. On 31 August, I’ll be leading a team of 12 students from the University of Surrey on an expedition to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Alongside the trek, we’ll be fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, a UK charity that provides vital care and support for young people facing cancer. 

If you are able to support the fundraiser, any donation — big or small — will help make a genuine difference. Adventure is exciting but using it to support those who need it most is what makes the journey truly worthwhile. 

Link to Just giving page