🌏 From Swansea to the Himalayas
They’ve done it. Fourteen trekkers from Swansea and beyond have reached Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4,500 metres high in Nepal’s Annapurna region.
Through thin air, freezing temperatures, and days of relentless climbing, the Faith in Families Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek team pushed through exhaustion and emotion — and in doing so, raised over £20,000 to help children and families in Swansea who are living in poverty.
Every step, every ache, and every 3 a.m. start had one purpose: to bring hope home.
What drove them forward wasn’t just the view from the summit — it was the thought of the families who face their own daily mountains. The climb was steep, the air thin, but their purpose never wavered.
💛 A Climb with Purpose
Faith in Families supports over a thousand children every week through its Community Cwtches, Cwtch Mawr Multibank, and projects like Brighter Futures and Inspiring Futures. These programmes provide safety, warmth, and emotional support for children and parents facing crisis.
CEO Cherrie Bija, who led the climb, called the experience life-changing:
“This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Cherrie. “The climb was slow, continuous, and exhausting — but every step reminded us why we were there. Families in Swansea face real struggles every day, and we wanted to carry that message to the highest place we could.”
The expedition was expertly led by Tribal Tracks, an adventure travel company specialising in meaningful charity challenges. Their guidance and compassion turned a physically demanding climb into an unforgettable journey of purpose, teamwork, and transformation.
“The team’s spirit never faltered,” said a Tribal Tracks representative. “They climbed not for themselves, but for others — and that’s what made it so powerful.”
👣 Meet the Trekkers
Karen Devonshire
Faith in Families’ Chair of Trustees celebrated her 60th birthday on the mountain.
“Turning 60 in the Himalayas is something I’ll never forget. It was tough, emotional, but incredible. Every step was a reminder that age should never stop you from making a difference.”
Scarlet Le Roux
Owner of The Little Tiler, Scarlet brought her trademark determination to every step.
“I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t expect it to be so moving. When things got tough, I thought about the children we were helping — and that gave me strength.”
Caroline Platt
Managing Director of Platts Agriculture and returning trekker after Wadi Rum 2023.
“The views were breathtaking, but so was the purpose. I’m proud to have raised awareness again for such a vital charity. This was about heart, not height.”
Brian Byrne
“It was harder than I ever imagined, but completely worth it. Knowing it’s helping children and families who really need support made every step count.”
Bethan Thomas
Founder of Cariad Mortgage Solutions and Faith in Families Trustee.
“Standing at Base Camp was emotional beyond words. You think of every child you’re helping — and suddenly, the cold and tiredness don’t matter anymore.”
Mandie Bennett
Owner of Schoolhouse Daycare and Teilo’s Tots Day Nursery.
“Every step of this trek reminded me why I do what I do — for the children who deserve safety, laughter, and love. The climb was tough, but knowing it would help give more children a brighter start made it one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done.”
Gareth Danks
Photographer and long-time supporter of the charity.
“I’ve seen Faith in Families’ work through my lens for years — but being part of this, documenting the climb and feeling the purpose firsthand, was something else. It’s proof of what community can achieve.”
Andrew Thomas
Founder of ATOM Electrical Contractors.
“The altitude hit hard, but so did the purpose. It reminded me how important it is to give back. We’re stronger when we climb together.”
Dr Sue West Jones & Hermione Vaikunthanathan-Jones
Mother and daughter trekkers who took on the challenge side by side.
Sue: “Hermione stormed it! I’m so proud of her and chuffed with my own achievement too.”Hermione: “It was my dream to visit Nepal, and to do it while helping children in Swansea made it unforgettable.”
Jonathan Healings
Owner of Schmidt Kitchens Swansea and Letterbox of Mumbles.
“This was no walk in the park — it was cold, tough, and emotional. But knowing what Faith in Families does every day made me determined to keep going.”
Jane Storer
A Welfare Rights Specialist and passionate advocate for social justice.
“The climb was brutal at times, but I kept thinking — our families face tougher climbs every day. That’s what kept me moving.”
Philip White
Owner of White’s Carpentry.
“It pushed me further than I thought I could go — mentally and physically — but it was worth every step. When things got tough, I thought about the families back home who climb their own mountains every day. That’s what kept me going.”
Cherrie Bija
CEO of Faith in Families and the driving force behind the trek.
“This wasn’t about adventure — it was about solidarity. Every step was for the children and families who climb mountains of their own every single day. When the air got thin and the climb got tough, I thought about the parents who keep going no matter what, and that’s what pushed me on. I’ve never been prouder to lead such an incredible team or more certain of why our work matters.”
💫 What £20,000 Can Do
The £20,000 raised will change lives across Swansea. Every pound will help a child feel seen, safe, and supported.
£10 can fill a family’s fridge with fresh produce for a week.
£20 can buy shoes for a child who has outgrown theirs.
£30 can help a parent heat their home this winter.
£50 can provide a one-to-one session for a child learning to manage anxiety or trauma.
£70 can fund childcare, giving parents the space to rebuild their confidence and skills.
Each step on that mountain means a family at home gets to take one forward too.
❤️ More Than a Mountain
The Faith in Families Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek was never about adventure. It was about courage, compassion, and community.
“When you climb a mountain like this,” said Cherrie, “you realise what’s possible when people come together for a purpose. It’s not just about reaching the top — it’s about who you lift along the way.”
Their climb may be over, but the legacy it leaves behind will keep lifting families for years to come.
To learn more about how Faith in Families is transforming lives across Swansea — or to join our next challenge — visit Faith in Families.
