Hello Everyone!

This year I have been given an incredible opportunity to take part in a month long expedition to the wilderness of Kyrgyzstan with the British Exploring Society. The journey will take me and a small team of young people from across the UK deep into the At-Bashi mountain range where we will work together to explore the landscape, meet the nomadic Kyrgyz herders and take part in scientific and environmental projects.

The British Exploring Society are a charity who have been running youth expeditions since 1932, helping young people build resilience, leadership skills and confidence through challenging exploration in remote environments across the world. Experiences like this are designed to push people far outside their comfort zones but help build skills that last a lifetime.

Kyrgyzstan is known for its vast mountain ranges, glaciers and untouched wilderness. Being able to explore such a remote region whilst learning from experienced leaders and researchers is an opportunity I never imagined I would have. Also, being in the early stages of my career as an outdoor professional, this experience will be life changing and provide me with valuable first hand experience I can carry into the next stages of my career.

Any donations towards this fundraiser would mean a huge amount. Not only would they contribute to the British Exploring Society supporting me on my expedition, but would also allow the charity to continue to run transformative programmes for young people in the future.

Thank you so much for reading and your kind support on this incredible journey - Molly McNeil