When you think about the journey to Everest Base Camp, you imagine icy trails, towering peaks, and a test of human endurance. For Dean Richards MCIOB, MCIAT, Design Manager at Kier Construction | Kier Places Residential Solutions, this once-in-a-lifetime trek was more than just a physical challenge — it was a mission to change lives.
From April 15th to 29th, 2025, Dean joined the incredible team from The Events Room to conquer the world-renowned Everest Base Camp trail. Their goal? To raise vital funds for Faith in Families, a charity at the heart of Swansea and South Wales that supports vulnerable children and families facing poverty and hardship.
Despite already surpassing £2,000 in donations, Dean’s campaign remains open — because the need continues, and every penny counts:
👉 Click to Donate Here
Climbing for a Cause | Everest Challenge
“Everest Base Camp is no walk in the park,” Dean admits. “It was one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I’ve ever done, but knowing why we were doing it — for the children and families supported by Faith in Families — gave me the motivation to keep going.”
From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the dizzying heights of Lukla’s dramatic STOL airstrip, the team trekked through Sherpa villages, across roaring rivers and hanging bridges, and finally up to the base of the highest mountain in the world. They stayed in local tea houses, embraced the culture of the Himalayas, and faced the effects of altitude head-on.
But through it all, Dean kept the mission close to his heart.
“To stand at the foot of Everest, knowing that every step helped a child sleep warm, eat a proper meal, or access emotional support… there’s no feeling like it.”
Why Faith in Families?
Faith in Families is transforming lives. As Swansea and South Wales’ leading community-rooted charity, they deliver essential services that help families not just survive — but thrive. Their projects are as practical as they are powerful, tackling child poverty at its roots.
From opening Wales’ first-ever multibank — Cwtch Mawr — to running Community Cwtches across Swansea Bay, Faith in Families delivered over 140,000 care packages in 2024 alone.
They don’t just offer charity — they offer hope, dignity, and opportunity.
What Your Donation Can Do
Whether you give £10 or £100, your support changes lives. Here’s how:
- £10 – Fresh food for a struggling family.
- £20 – A warm coat or shoes for a child in need.
- £30 – Fuel vouchers to heat a home.
- £50 – A one-to-one support session with a practitioner.
- £70 – Childcare support so parents can learn and grow.
- £100+ – A brighter future for a child overcoming adversity.
Every gift, large or small, empowers families to break cycles of poverty and move forward with confidence.
Still Time to Support Dean
Though the trek is complete, Dean’s mission is ongoing. Your donation will directly support Faith in Families’ Brighter Futures Project, which includes:
- Journals for emotional growth.
- Group and individual support sessions.
- Community engagement initiatives.
- Resources that build resilience in children and parents alike.
🌍 Donate now to support Dean and help more families take their own first steps toward brighter futures:
👉 https://localgiving.org/fundraising/everest-base-camp-challenge
Everest Challenge Final Thoughts
At Kier, community is more than a value — it’s a commitment. Dean Richards’ courageous journey is a testament to what’s possible when people step up, climb high, and give back.
So here’s to the view from 5,364m.
To the strength it takes to get there.
And to the hearts it touches far below.
