How One Man’s Everest Climb is Changing Lives in Swansea
What does it take to change a life? For some, it’s a warm coat in winter. For others, it’s a hot meal, a safe space to talk, or simply the knowledge that someone, somewhere, cares.
For Dean Richards, Design Manager at Kier Construction | Kier Places Residential Solutions, changing lives started with a pair of hiking boots, a big dream, and a cause close to his heart. In April 2025, Dean set off on a journey to Everest Base Camp — not just for the challenge, but to raise vital funds for Swansea-based children’s charity Faith in Families.
And this month, after returning from one of the toughest adventures of his life, Dean visited Cwtch Mawr Multibank, a key Faith in Families project, to hand over his final fundraising total: an incredible £2,226.68.
A Challenge of a Lifetime
From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the icy ridges of the Himalayas, Dean trekked for over two weeks across 130km of high-altitude terrain — braving freezing temperatures, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather. Alongside the team from The Events Room, he reached Everest Base Camp at a breathtaking 5,364 metres above sea level.
“Everest was an incredible experience — the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” Dean said. “But I never lost sight of why I was doing it. Every step I took was for the children and families supported by Faith in Families. Knowing that helped me push through the hardest moments.”
An Incredible Team Effort
Dean’s success wasn’t his alone. His fundraising received a vital boost from The Kier Foundation, whose support helped elevate his final total and his impact. The Foundation, a long-standing supporter of Kier employees and charitable causes across the UK, has donated over £3 million since its formation in 2012.
“To have the support of Kier and The Kier Foundation behind me meant so much,” Dean said. “They helped amplify the impact of this challenge and made me feel like I was part of something bigger — a team that genuinely cares about making a difference.”
Faith in Families: Building Brighter Futures Every Day
At the heart of this story is Faith in Families, a charity rooted in the communities of Swansea and South Wales. Their mission is to empower children and families experiencing poverty, hardship, and emotional trauma. Through projects like Cwtch Mawr Multibank and the Brighter Futures Project, they provide everything from fresh food, fuel vouchers, clothing, and emotional support, to safe spaces where children can thrive.
In 2024 alone, Faith in Families distributed over 140,000 care packages through Cwtch Mawr and supported hundreds of families facing real crisis.
And now, thanks to Dean’s efforts, they’ll be able to do even more.
“Thank you so very much for taking on the incredible challenge, Dean — Everest, wow!
And to do it with our children in mind—what an extraordinary act of care and compassion.
We are all deeply grateful.Your amazing effort has raised £2,226, which will help us provide a summer club for the children—a much-needed break from the adversity they face every day.
Childhood happens only once and cannot be relived, but thanks to you, these young ones will now have the chance to create joyful memories of their own.Your unforgettable experience, packed full of courage and meaning, is now helping shape brighter moments for others.
Thank you for being part of their story.”
— Cherrie Bija, CEO, Faith in Families
Cwtch Mawr: From Climb to Community Impact
Dean’s fundraising will support core programmes at Cwtch Mawr and beyond, including:
- 🍎 Fresh food parcels for families in crisis
- 🧣 Clothing and shoes for children in need
- 🏡 Fuel vouchers to heat homes through difficult months
- 🧠 One-to-one and group therapy sessions for emotional wellbeing
- ✏️ Journals and learning materials to support children’s development
- 🌞 Summer holiday clubs, creating joy and stability for children who need it most
His donation isn’t just a number — it’s warmth, nourishment, confidence, and the chance for a child to just be a child.
“Dean didn’t just raise money — he raised hope,” said Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager at Faith in Families. “He showed what’s possible when someone takes a personal goal and turns it into a force for good. The support of his team at Kier, and the backing from The Kier Foundation, made this an extraordinary success.”
More Than a Climb
Dean’s journey has been transformational — not only for himself, but for the children and families who will feel its impact long after the snow has melted on the Everest trail.
It’s also a powerful example of how corporate responsibility, community values, and individual determination can come together to build something truly special. With businesses like Kier Construction empowering employees to give back, and foundations like The Kier Foundation investing in social change, more stories like Dean’s can happen every day.
“It’s easy to think you can’t make a difference,” Dean said. “But you absolutely can. I’m just one person — but with the support of a great company, a brilliant charity, and a community that believed in this cause, we’ve helped shape a better future. That’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
📸 Pictured:
- Dean Richards, Design Manager, Kier Construction | Kier Places Residential Solutions
- Siany Martin, Fundraising Manager, Faith in Families
- Buddy Martin AKA Shark Boy, Young Fundraising Hero
👏 Thank you, Dean, for climbing for a cause. And thank you, Kier and The Kier Foundation, for helping make every step count. Together, you’ve helped change lives — right here in Swansea. 🏔️💛
