British Exploring Society fundraiser

My name is Abbi Stuart-Monir, and I am fundraising for British Exploring Society (BES), a youth development charity with a unique heritage founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and equipping young people with the courage, skills, resilience and determination to make the most of their future.

I’m very lucky to have been selected to be part of the small group partaking in the Pinnacle Wild Leadership Programme; at the end of July, we will be going on expedition to the Caucasus mountains, in Georgia, with British Exploring Society, for 4 weeks.

The vision of BES is for all young people to be able to contribute confidently in the world; they want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for the future. BES provide young people with access to challenging learning in wild and remote locations using an approach refined through nearly a century of experience, to deliver a mix of adventure, knowledge, and personal development within their programmes.

As part of the Pinnacle Wild Leadership Programme, and for preparation for our expedition, over the last few months, our group has attended two training events, as well as a five day practice expedition in Dartmoor (photo above!). During these training events, we learned a lot on leadership theories and principles, and have started developing tools to use in reflective practice in life. During expedition, we will gain firsthand field experience and knowledge about the wilderness, and learn how to lead ethically, as part of a tight-knit team, and in challenging environments.

As part of the programme, we have been given the challenge of a fundraising target; these are set based on financial situations to reduce the financial barrier to joining an expedition, with mine being set at £1000. Thanks to the work of British Exploring Society, as well as the donations received through fundraising, these life changing opportunities offered are free and accessible to young people.

To help fundraise I will be hosting a yard sale (date TBC) so please come along if you can! (or if you have anything you would like to donate to be sold it would be much appreciated!). I will also be doing a sponsored walk! All updates will be posted on here :)

I am very appreciative for any support and donations that I receive! All donations will go to British Exploring Society directly. These donations allow for the charity's longevity in providing expeditions for future young explorers!