A Lymm mum is calling for charitable donations as she gets ready to take on a five day 94km trek across Cambodia to Angkor Wat for the EY Foundation charity.
Clare Roberts, based in Lymm, has raised over £5,000 so far for the EY Foundation that works with young people from low-income backgrounds to support them into employment and education.
Clare, CEO of national nursery group Kids Planet Day Nurseries, said “I’m doing this because I know I’m in a privileged position and feel it’s important to give back. I’ve done lots of things for children over the years with Kids Planet, but as my children are getting older, I’m recognising more that there’s a real gap for young people in society.”
In 2022, Clare took on the gruelling challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro for charity. This time, the charity Cambodia trek will take place over nine days starting on 3rd November 2024 in Siem Reap and finishing at Angkor Wat.
Clare will be part of a group that will walk through varying terrains of valleys, hills and dense forests where temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees during the day. The trekkers will also be camping in the jungle for a week during the hike in solo tents. Clare commented “This is the kind of trip where your out-of-office is on and you stick to it.”
On her preparation, Clare said “I’ve been working on the premise that my running is my preparation. I haven’t technically put on my walking boots in about four months, but I run at least 30 kilometres a week so I’m hoping I have a level of fitness from the running, and that if I can run it, I can walk it.”
Kids Planet’s leadership teams and nurseries across the country have been raising money for Clare’s trek. Kids Planet Prestwich held a crazy hair day where practitioners and children tried out new funky hair styles for the day; the head office team hiked to a waterfall in Lymm; Kids Planet Llandudno went for a long beach walk and hosted a danceathon; Macclesfield will be doing a sponsored stomp and Crewe have created an art gallery of the children’s creations to name a few.
Kids Planet head office team
EY Foundation’s programmes tackle some of the major obstacles to social mobility in the UK. The charity works directly with young people facing barriers to employment, and with employers and social entrepreneurs in the UK, to create and support routes into education, employment and enterprise.
Clare explains “I’ve been a judge for the EY Foundation for some of their projects and sponsorships that they were doing for young people, so I’ve seen firsthand what the foundation does to support young people and to raise their resilience, their work skills, and to give them a focus in life, post-school.”
Lynne Peabody, CEO at EY Foundation commented, “Our fundraisers are such a critical part to achieving our charity’s mission. I am so grateful to Clare and the Angkor Wat 24 trekkers, who are not only fundraising to support our charity and young people, but taking time out of busy schedules and challenging themselves to trek through the hills and heat in Cambodia. Thank you, to you and your donors for your support!”
Clare added, “Anything that can be done to support groups of people who are more disadvantaged and give them equal opportunities is vital. I am excited to get my walking boots on, and be a part of an amazing team raising money for what is a brilliant charity.”
Every penny raised could give a young person a place on an EY Foundation employability programme, and a chance to change their future. If you can, donate using this link.
