Why Choose The King’s Trust?
When people ask me why I’m taking on this solo expedition, I often come back to a moment in the tent: cold, boots off, lying in my sleeping bag, talking and reflecting on life. Not just the South Pole. Life.
I came to outdoor adventure later than most. I didn’t grow up climbing mountains or skiing across frozen lakes. In fact, my life was pretty normal until I discovered the wild a little further down the road. But sitting in that tent, somewhere deep in the Arctic, I couldn’t help but wonder: What if I’d found this sooner?
What if I’d known, earlier, that I was capable of pushing through storms and setbacks? What if I’d had the right support, the right encouragement, to realise my potential earlier in life?
That’s why partnering with The King’s Trust made so much sense.
Finding Our “Why”
When I started seeking funding for this expedition, I spoke to someone whose advice really stuck with me—Cat, the Molar Explorer. She told me something simple but powerful: “You need a why.”
That stopped me in my tracks.
Sure, I was aiming for the South Pole. But why? What was the deeper purpose behind the frostbite, the hunger, and the months of solo training?
That’s when I started reflecting on how much I’d grown—mentally and emotionally—through these challenges. And that led me straight to The King’s Trust.
About The King’s Trust
The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) is an incredible UK charity that supports young people aged 11 to 30, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Whether it’s unemployment, challenges at school, homelessness, or a lack of direction, the Trust steps in to help.
They provide everything from training and qualifications to funding for business ideas, to mentoring and life-changing confidence-building courses. Since its founding by King Charles III in 1976, they’ve helped over a million young people unlock their potential.
They do this across the UK—and increasingly, around the world—with a focus on real impact, real opportunities, and real change.
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Why It Matters to Me
I chose The King’s Trust because it aligns with everything this solo expedition represents: growth through challenge, finding purpose, and discovering what you’re capable of when you push yourself.
Over the past year, I’ve formed a brilliant relationship with the team at the Trust. They’ve been supportive, enthusiastic, and deeply engaged with my journey. And this isn’t just a one-off.
When I return from Antarctica, I’ll be offering to speak at a series of events for the Trust , sharing my story with young people across the UK to encourage them to get outdoors, take on big goals, and realise they are stronger than they think.
If even one person hears my story and decides to take that first step—onto a trail, into a challenge, or just towards something new—then all those tough days alone on the ice will have been worth it.