30-year-old Sabiane Grant, a Team Manager at Co-op in Ryde, has successfully completed the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp, raising over £6,000 for Barnardo’s in partnership with Co-op.
Co-op colleagues, members and customers are raising £5million to support the positive futures of 750,000 young people across the UK, in partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s.
Sabiane, who has worked for Co-op since 2012, was inspired to raise funds for the partnership by taking on a gruelling, 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp.
She explains:
“My parents split up when I was young, so I understand how important it is to have support when things get tough. I never felt like I was missing out and had a wonderful childhood, but I know it can’t have been easy for my Mum raising four kids.
“Co-op and Barnardo’s are giving young people a place to go and get support with their mental wellbeing, as well as learn the skills they need to thrive. Things like that make a massive difference for families.”
Once signed up, Sabiane embarked on an intense training regime, including strength training and walking as often as possible.
Fundraising provided an additional challenge. Fortunately, with the help of colleagues, Co-op Members, local businesses, friends and family, Sabiane hosted numerous tombolas, raffles and more to eventually surpass the £6,000 target.
Sabiane’s journey began when she embarked on her adventure to Nepal, where she joined a group of fellow trekkers for the 17,600ft ascent to Everest Base Camp. The physical demands of the trek, combined with the challenges of high-altitude climbing with less than 50% oxygen levels, tested Sabiane’s limits.
Reflecting on the trip, the 30-year-old said:
“It was tough. The climb was brutal, especially the steep sections. But I was determined to keep going – for myself, and for the young people that this partnership supports.
“There was one day before Base Camp when I thought, what am I doing here?! But I kept thinking about the cause, and the people who had donated. I couldn’t let them down.”
Sabiane’s journey was made even more personal by the memory of her late grandparents, whose photo keychains she carried with her throughout the trek.
On reaching Base Camp, Sabiane was overcome with pride, as she recalls:
“It was surreal to stand there, at the foot of Everest, after all the hard work and struggles along the way. I was so proud of myself for pushing through – and grateful for the support of my fellow trekkers and the Sherpas, who were incredible.”
“It’s been an incredible experience,. Coming back to home comforts and my dog, Marley, has been great, but I’ve learned so much from this journey – about myself, my limits, and the importance of supporting a cause that makes a real difference.”
