Fourteen extraordinary individuals from Swansea have returned home after conquering the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, a gruelling, high-altitude climb to 4,500 metres in Nepal raising over £19,000 for Swansea charity Faith in Families.
What began as a bold challenge soon became a life-changing experience. The team battled steep climbs, freezing nights, and thin air but their motivation never wavered. Every step was for the hundreds of children and families in Swansea who face poverty, trauma, and hardship every day.
Led by Faith in Families CEO, Cherrie Bija, the group included business leaders, parents, and professionals united by one goal: to raise vital funds and awareness for families in need across the city.
“This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Cherrie Bija. “The climb was slow, continuous, and emotional but every step reminded us why we were there. Families in Swansea face struggles every day, and we wanted to carry that message to the highest place we could.”
A Challenge of Grit, Heart, and Purpose
The trek, organised by Tribal Tracks, took the group deep into Nepal’s Annapurna region through mountain passes, remote villages, and icy slopes. Under expert guidance, they pushed through exhaustion and altitude sickness to reach the base camp, overlooking the world’s most breathtaking peaks.
Faith in Families supports over a thousand children every week through projects like their Community Cwtches, Cwtch Mawr Multibank, and Brighter Futures providing safe spaces, essentials, and emotional support for families living in crisis.
“It pushed me further than I thought I could go,” said Philip White, owner of White’s Carpentry. “When things got tough, I thought about the families back home who climb their own mountains every day. That’s what kept me going.”
Fourteen Voices, One Purpose
Each trekker brought something different to the mountain and came home with a story of strength, compassion, and perspective.
Karen Devonshire, Chair of Trustees at Faith in Families, celebrated her 60th birthday on the trail.
“Turning 60 in the Himalayas is something I’ll never forget. It was tough, emotional, and incredible, a reminder that age should never stop you from making a difference.”
Scarlet Le Roux, owner of The Little Tiler, said:
“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.”
Mandie Bennett, owner of Schoolhouse Daycare and Teilo’s Tots Day Nursery, shared:
“Every step 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.”
Dr Sue West Jones and her daughter Hermione Vaikunthanathan-Jones, aged 18, took on the trek together.
“Hermione stormed the trek I’m so proud of her,” said Sue. “I’m also really chuffed with my own achievement. Doing it together made it truly special.”
Jonathan Healings, of Schmidt Kitchens Swansea and Mumbles Post Office, added:
“It was cold, relentless, and emotional but standing there, knowing we did it for Swansea’s children, was incredible.”
And for Jane Storer, a Welfare Rights Specialist, the challenge carried deep meaning.
“The climb was brutal at times, but I kept thinking our families face tougher climbs every day. That’s what kept me moving.”
Beyond the Mountains: Real Change for Swansea Families
The £19,000 raised will have a direct impact across Swansea:
- £10 can fill a family’s fridge with fresh food for a week.
- £20 can buy shoes for a child in need.
- £50 funds a one-to-one support session for a child struggling with anxiety or trauma.
- £70 can provide childcare so parents can retrain or find work.
Faith in Families’ CEO, Cherrie, summed it up best:
“This trek wasn’t about adventure. It was about resilience for our team and for the families we serve. It showed that when we walk side by side, we can overcome anything.”
In Partnership with Tribal Tracks
The expedition was led by Tribal Tracks, a specialist adventure company that designs meaningful, ethical charity treks around the world. Their guidance, preparation, and support made it possible for each trekker to achieve something extraordinary both for themselves and for Swansea’s families.
“The team’s spirit, courage, and humour never faltered,” said a Tribal Tracks representative. “They climbed for something far greater than a summit they climbed for change.”
A Legacy of Hope
Faith in Families hopes this milestone will inspire more people to take on challenges that make a difference.
To learn more about Faith in Families’ projects, including the Community Cwtches and Cwtch Mawr Multibank or to donate, visit www.faithinfamilies.wales.