When Sophie set out on the monumental challenge of climbing Mount Kenya, one of Africa’s most iconic peaks, she was also taking on a mighty challenge to help create brighter futures for children and young people across Kenya.
As Chair of Trustees, Sophie Tanner is deeply committed to creating opportunities for children and young people to build the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive. With nearly 20 years of experience in international development and a passion for gender equality and rights, she has spent her career working to improve lives and expand opportunities for marginalised communities. With just weeks left on her stay in Nairobi, she decided to take that commitment to new heights – quite literally!
Sophie summiting Lenana Peak, Mount Kenya, 4985m – 13 June 2026
Battling steep terrain, thin air and freezing temperatures, Sophie reached the summit of Mount Kenya, embodying the determination and resilience that lie at the heart of every Seed of Hope participant’s journey towards qualifications, employment and financial independence.
Following her successful climb of 4,985m, Sophie reflects on the experience, what motivated her to take on the challenge, and why investing in young people’s potential is more important than ever.
What inspired you to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kenya in support of Raising Futures Kenya?
I was looking for a challenge which would help raise some cash for this wonderful charity. I knew even if I could only raise a relatively small amount, it would still make all the difference. I’ve never climbed a mountain before and the iconic Mt Kenya is known for being tough but beautiful. Every time I drove past it it seemed to be offering me the challenge!
Was there a particular moment during the climb that challenged you the most, and how did you keep going?
The first couple of days were wonderful – green, hilly, full of views and lakes, and brilliant conversation. It started to get a bit tougher in terms of the altitude and chilly nights, but that was still part of the fun. The summit day was just brutal though – a 2am start, in the dark and biting cold (our water was freezing in our bottles), straight uphill with nausea, breathlessness (not the good kind) and nothing to see but the feet in front of you. We climbed for four hours to the summit – but made it for a beautiful, clear, red sunrise.
Images: View of the mountains, Sophie on her climb and at a waterfall
As Chair of Trustees, how did this experience deepen your connection to the work Raising Futures Kenya does with children and young people?
Honestly I would have given up if I hadn’t been thinking of the money we were raising! When you think of what young people have to overcome to even get to the centres and commit to learning, let alone managing to gain new skills and create opportunities for themselves, a little bit of mild, self elected discomfort doesn’t seem like much.
The climb was undertaken to support the Seed of Hope vocational training programme. Why do you believe vocational skills training is such an important investment in young people’s futures?
All over the world young people are struggling to find employment – and in Kenya this challenge is very real. It’s an amazing country of ‘hustlers’ and entrepreneurs trying to make their way through hard work and commitment. For young people who have been deprived of opportunity, these skills will make all the difference to them being able to support themselves and their families.
What would you like supporters to understand about the challenges facing young people in Kenya as they transition into employment and independence?
The young people I have met at the centres have faced the challenges that come with not being able to finish school, with having young children to care for, with not having any opportunities to get work. Without skills, finances, or time, and often facing mental health challenges or even trauma, there are huge barriers to making progress – it can seem hopeless. The all round support that the Seed of Hope centres provide, from child-care vouchers to meals to counselling, are essential.
Having completed the climb, what are you most proud of—personally and on behalf of the charity?
I’m proud we’ve raised some money – but I’d love it if supporters could help us raise some more! And I’ve learnt a valuable lesson…I am not built for summiting mountains in the middle of the night… Thanks for your support – financial and pastorally! I couldn’t have done it without you!
Image: Sophie awarding a certificate to a Seed of Hope graduate at the Nairobi Graduation ceremony – January 2026
The Summit Was Reached. The Fundraising Continues.
By the end of June, Sophie had raised an incredible £900 – 59% of her £1,500 target – providing enough funds for a month’s vocational and business skills training and wellbeing support for 18 young people. Every pound will help provide support to young people, to equip them with the skills and confidence to secure employment, launch businesses, achieve financial independence, and break the cycle of poverty.
We are incredibly proud of Sophie for taking on this challenge and deeply grateful for her leadership and dedication to young people in Kenya. We are inspired to have her as both our Chair and a champion of our mission.
If you feel inspired to help Sophie smash her fundraising target and invest in young people’s potential, you can give here: Give to Sophie’s Mount Kenya Challenge to raise futures
Or if you feel inspired to take on a challenge in aid of Raising Futures Kenya, reach out to us at: hello@raisingfutureskenya.org.uk
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